Group Coaching Core Essentials #12 of 18 - Consider Group Dynamics and Stages of Development

Welcome back to our twelfth of eighteen Group Coaching Core Essentials. This week’s focus is on the

principle of “ Understand the five stages of group formation: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning”.

It’s essential to consider these five stages in your programs’ planning, design, marketing, and delivery. Bruce Tuckman is the grandfather of this area.

Whether we are working in person, virtually or in the hybrid space it can be important to consider where groups are at in terms of their development.

A few weeks ago I did a call on this topic, covering forming, storming, norming in depth. You can find that call at  You will also want to refer to what I have written in more depth on this topic in Effective Virtual Conversations or Effective Group Coaching.

Check out the 30 minute community call on Tuckman's model at  https://youtu.be/KSxATjwjo6o

Stages of group development influence connection, safety and trust levels. The group dynamics are also going to shape what’s required from you as a professional in terms of support.

Consider these elements around the first few stages:

Forming – As groups come together they need:

·    *  Clarity around what the program is all about, expectations, and who is par to the group.

·     *  It’s important to learn more about each other and find common ground

·     *   Part of this process also about getting clear on what goals are and the journey is all about

·      *  Coaches, leaders and facilitators will want to focus on helping the group create clarity, connection and a roadmap.

Storming – As groups come together, often the second group coaching conversation, the group is working to figure out who they are and how they operate. This can lead to conflict, which is often a good sign that people are showing up and leaning into the process.

At this stage it’s important to reconnect people to what has brought them to the group and what they are committed to.

Practically, you will want to:

·       Figure out roles

·       Have the group identify how they want to operate

·       Reconnect with how the work connects to their world.

The focus on group development is a large part of the focus for group coaches.

In our next post we’ll explore the last three stages and what’s needed. Be sure to circle back for the NORMING, PERFORMING and ADJOURNING stages.

Activity this week:

Consider what stage your group is at and what they need

Enjoy the conversation! Consider joining us this November for our Intensive programs, where our usual 5 week programs are delivered in one or two day offerings.

Warm regards,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Head Coach and CEO

Group Coaching Essentials and Potentials Realized

What is your unique style as a coach? Take 2-minutes to complete the NEW Group and Team Coaching Superpower Quiz. You can find it at https://bit.ly/gtcoachingsuperpower. Share your style using the comments below and/or follow along on Instagram at our CoachingBizBuilder site.

Join us for an upcoming program including: 

Group Coaching Essentials - Fridays 1015 - 1130 am ET starting October 21st running for 5 weeks (8.75 CCEs). Best practices for design, marketing and implementing group coaching. Led by Evana. OR Mondays 130- 3 pm ET starting November 7 with Jennifer (5 weeks)

Reconnecting Workspaces Certified Coach - 24 CCEs - Join us for an intensive 3 day virtual workshop November 17 - 19 and build out your specialization for coaching in today's evolving workspaces - hybrid, in-person and remote. 1, 2 and 6 payments available.  Calls 830 - 430 pm ET. With Jennifer.

Team Coaching Essentials (14 CCEs)  - Being asked to coach teams? Equip yourself with the foundations of this quickly evolving field. This program is grounded in our From One to Many methodology PLUS what works right now in today's evolving workspace. Mondays 12 - 130 pm ET starting October 24 running for 6 weeks - with Kathy Vaughan or 1.5 day delivery Monday November 7 and Tuesday November 8 (half day) with Jennifer.

Check out our Intensive November 2022 offerings which will be delivered by Jennifer between November 7 - 20. More information and schedule at GroupCoachingEssentials.ca.