Group Coaching - Is Everyone Coachable?

Establishing the coaching focus and agreement with your group members (clients) is an essential part of any group coaching process. Many will recognize this as a core coaching competency of the ICF.

A key question to consider is "Is everyone coachable?". This issue may take on even more importance in the context where people are mandated to attend a group coaching process, for example, a group coaching program for people being onboarded as new hires.

I came across an old favorite on my bookshelf the other day - Lisa Haneberg's Coaching Basics book from ASTD Press. You may want to check it out. Lisa writes "Coachabilty is a state of mind that can be changed in an instance".

As it relates to designing your own programs, some of things to note with each group member in the start up of the coaching agreement are:
- What is their level of openness to feedback, observation, working with others?
- How open are they to learning/development opportunities?
- How open are they to different opinions? Different perspectives?
- How aware are they regarding what coaching is? Is not?
- What support are they really looking for? How does coaching fit/not fit into this?
- Does the person want coaching? Are they wanting to make a change? Take action? Be accountable for their results?

Taking time getting to know each group member is a key component for success. Getting to know each person, their preferences, their motivations as well as what they want and need, is key to positioning our work, as well as key to seeing how coaching can/cannot support, and other supports which may be needed.

Consider what you can build in to enhance your relationship with each group member, as well as the relationships amongst group members. Remember that trust is an essential element for group members engaging in the coaching process. Have you spent enough time supporting the group to get to know each other?

This week as you work with your clients - individuals, groups and teams, notice the impact of how you have created the coaching agreement. Also take note of the barriers to coaching, and what other supports could benefit the client.

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCES) - Next session starts Thursday February 16th (Thurs 10:30 -11:45 am Eastern: Feb 16, 23, Mar 1, 15 and 22) by phone