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Pauses provide an opportunity to stop, reflect and take more intentional action. In a 1-1 coaching conversation it can be very clear what a pause can look like, but what about in a group coaching context?
Here are ten different ways to create a pause during a group coaching conversation. It can include:
1. Breakout work with a partner - rather than always going "Around the room" to hear from each group member, consider leveraging breakouts and having group members pair with others. Check out the earlier posts on 10 ways use breakouts in this countdown to 2020 series.
2. Dedicate a few minutes during the call (at the start, or end) to intentionally pause and let people reflect. This could be a couple of minutes spent in silence, having people create a mindmap of their thoughts or give people a few minutes to journal.
3. Provide group members with a journal and provide 2-5 minutes each call to journal.
4. Schedule a half day retreat with the groups you work with. Wheter it 's hosting a virtual retreat or a "Get things done" session, meeting with your groups for a longer block of time to stop and take action can be well received. The half day "Get things done" virtual retreats I host quarterly are some of the favorite events of many programs.
5. Have a few minutes of "offline time" for people to get up, move around and see things from a different perspective. This is just like inviting people to go for a walk by themselves in an in-person program.
6. Incorporate visual cards. Many of you know my affinity for incorporating visuals into group programming. If you haven't seen me talk about it - check out this 2016 video (yes - it is dated but the content is still great!) I did as part of one of the weekly blabs I hosted.
7. Bring a hands on exercise - whether it's creating a model of your saboteur/inner critic, or creating a vision board, what's the hands-on, tactile exercise you can use.
What else might you do to create a "pause" and something a little different in your next group coaching conversation. Share with us your insights using the link below.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
Enjoy!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton - GroupCoachingEssentials | Potentials Realized
Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com
If you are looking for coaching skills development through CCE approved programs - I’ll be kicking off the first Group CoachingEssentials CCE approved program on Friday January 10th at 1015 am ET. This 8.75 CCE program also includes weekly 1-1 time with me (15 min each week). Is 2020 your year to get your groups going or expand the number of groups you are doing? Whether you are new to group coaching or stepping into your next year, there’s always something to learn – I hope you’ll join us. Reserve your spot here.
Also starting in January is the Virtual Facilitation Essentials - spaces are still open in the Monday group starting on Monday January 13th from 130 - 2:45 pm Eastern - 5 weeks, 8.5 CCEs.
The Winter 2020 Mentor Coaching Group starts on Friday January 10th - Fridays 2nd and 4th weeks of the month from 9 - 10 am Eastern. Reserve your spot now in this 10 hour program which meets the requirements of the ICF.
Finally, starting on.... January 1st - calling on coaches who want to focus on growing their coaching business. Reserve your spot for the 60Day Accelerator where you will be focusing on taking daily steps and consistent action around your coaching business. This program is based on my 2018 work, Coaching Business Builder.