The value of pre-program calls in group and team coaching

Many of you have read how pre-program calls are more the norm, than not, for most of my group
coaching programs, and sometimes also with my team coaching work. These pre-calls provide an important opportunity to get to know group members before we start our work together, as well as identify additional interest areas for participants. It also provides a key opportunity to clarify
expectations, review logistics, and make sure that the program is a good fit for each person.

I usually try to keep my pre-program calls to 10 or 15 minutes and most group coaching calls focus on:

• Who is the person? What has brought them to the program?
• What are they looking to get out of their involvement?
• What key goals do they have? 
• How will they measure successful participation from their perspective?
• What should I know about their learning style and how they will get the most from the program?
• What questions do they have?

These pre-programs will give you an opportunity to get a high level snapshot of some of the initial interest areas of the group. It also may point to particular themes which may be of interest to the group which you had not anticipated.  Just like the photo on today's post, these calls help you see the connections.

I continue to hear how group members enjoy these calls as well, and find them an important part in feeling part of the group, and connection with me as the coach.

I go into further detail into team and group coaching pre-programs in the chapter on Engagement in my new book, From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching, which has just been released by Jossey-Bass/Wiley.

Questions to consider:
What type of connection do you want to create with group, and team members before the start of a program?
What format do you want it to take?
What can you do to build connection with group members, and amongst group members, with your programs?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, BCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) & From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Phone: (416)996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info(at)potentialsrealized(dot)com