A: Approaches in Group Coaching - The A-Z of Group Coaching

As we approach our 19^th anniversary business celebrations what better time to start our 26-blog post

series, “The A-Z of Group Coaching Essentials.” 

Having written the first book on Group Coaching, “Effective Group Coaching” in 2009, this series highlights the best practices Jennifer Britton (Founder and CEO of Potentials Realized) has both written and taught in Group CoachingEssentials (5-week course with 8.75 CCEs with ICF) for the last 19 years. 

Let’s jump in.

Regardless if you are a new or seasoned group coach, reviewing various approaches when working with groups brings fresh, new ways of engaging your groups to support participants in realizing their goals; and you fulfilling the program goals and promises. It’s finally spring (YAY!!!!), and what better time for you (regardless if you are a new or seasoned group coach) to revisit approaches and bring fresh, new ways of engaging your groups in support of participants realizing their goals; and you fulfilling on the program goals and promises.

In her book “From One to Many: Best Practices for Team andGroup Coaching” (celebrating ten years of publication this year), Jennifer shares that regardless of the type of group/team coaching you offer: teleclass, group coaching, webinar, or retreat- there are different approaches to facilitating a group conversation. 

Understanding that different groups will have different needs, it’s essential and valuable to be ready and adaptable to use various approaches to fulfill program and participant goals.

Some of the common approaches used in group coaching include:

1. Laser coaching
2. Fieldwork: pre-work/post-work
3. Individual reflection
4. Peer coaching
5. Body-centered coaching, somatic coaching, or using geography

 The following are questions for you to consider based on the group you are working with and trying to decide on the approach to incorporate: 

• What are the fundamental needs and focus areas of this group?
• What supports the group in setting better goals?
• What supports the group in deepening awareness around issues of importance to them (individually or collectively)
• What supports the group to take action towards their identified goals?
• What is the role of accountability and commitment within this group?
• What does the group value in terms of approaches? Is it individual reflection, Small group conversation? Laser coaching? Conversation with a partner? Other? 

For further resources on this topic, check out the books referenced in this blog post. In addition, consider joining us in an upcoming ICF-CCE approved Group Coaching training program where we explore this topic more deeply.

Enjoy!

Jennifer and Evana

 

Group Coaching Essentials

Our award-winning ICF-CCE approved training programs have been taken by thousands of coaches since 2006. Join us for coursework leading you to the new ACTC (Advanced Credential in Team Coaching) or complete our 70 or 125 hour Certificates in Team or Group Coaching.

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What is your unique style as a coach? Take 2-minutes to complete the  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: 

Coaching Diverse Teams and Groups using the Work Styles - Tuesdays 645 - 8 am ET starting March 21 (14 CCEs) - Widen your toolkit for working with diverse styles in teams and groups in this 6 week program based on the Hybrid Work Styles. WE also explore Coaching for Creativity and Innovation. This is course 5 in the 70 hour Certificate in Team Coaching Program.

Group Coaching Essentials - Fridays 1015 - 1130 am ET starting March 31 running to late April- 8.75 CCEs

Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum - 10 CCEs - Fridays 1230 - 145 pm ET: March 24 (6 weeks) with Jennifer or later in January Mondays 12 - 130pm ET with Evana starting January 30th

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. 6 week program on Mondays 12 - 130 pm ET  starting early May with Kathy

ACTIVATE your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (14 CCEs) - Fridays 1015 - 1130 am ET starting March 24 with Jennifer (6 weeks)  - January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17  - Course 4 in the pathway (catch up on call #1 with the recording)

Coaching Supervision Group (Small group format) - Thursdays 12 - 130 pm ET  first week of the month each month (to June 2023) OR book a call to explore individual coaching supervision.