Group Coaching: Follow the energy of the group

As group coaches and group facilitators it is so important to follow the energy of the group, noticing everything from the body language of the participants as well as what is being said and not being said within the group coaching context.

Group coaching is grounded in meeting the group where it is at, working with the varying "agendas" or focus areas of interest with the group member. The power of the group coaching conversation is in the conversation, and as such, it is key to follow the energy of the group.

Coaches new to this work can be looking for cues such as:
1. Interactive engagement between group members
2. Eye contact and eye glazing
3. Pace and pitch of the conversations taking place

As group coaches it is important for us to step back and let the group connect. In many ways the peer conversation is just as important as one that we can facilitate. With your next group opportunity notice what happens when you step back and have the group break into dyads or triads. What do you notice about the energy? The clarity? The lack of clarity?

Great group coaches need to be comfortable in working in a context of "not knowing". Not knowing where a question may lead the group. Not knowing where one group members comment will impact another. Not knowing sometimes what themes or topic areas are going to hold the most excitement for group members.

What's going to be your stretch this week or month in working with groups?

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: (416)996-8326
Upcoming Phone Based Programs include: Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar program (6.75 CCEs starting Thurs Nov 1 at 1030 am ET) and the Advanced Group Coaching Practicum (8 CCEs - starts Fri Nov 2 at 1030 am ET). We've also got the Mentor Coaching Group starting Friday November 2 at 12 noon ET for ACC Renewals and ACC/PCC Portfolio candidates.

Join us in Toronto on Saturday November 10 and Sunday November 11 for the Group Coaching Intensive (15 hours of training) - 4 spots still open