Group Coaching: Ins and Outs: Top 10

Showing posts with label Top 10. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Monday, December 02, 2013

Monday, December 19, 2011

Top 10 Questions About Group Coaching During 2011

Top 10 Questions about Group Coaching During 2011

It’s been really interesting for me to connect with so many coaches and other professionals looking at group coaching over 2011. Speaking engagements have seen me out in the Martimes of Canada (East Coast) and as far West as Banff. Last month I traveled to Philadelphia and presented at their Fall Conference. Throughout the year I’ve also presented virtually to many SIGs, special interest groups and other coaching schools.

A majority of my sessions/presentations have been interactive and it’s been really interesting to track some of the questions I’ve continually been asked this year. Here are 10 that really have hit my radar screen, as well as links to some resources I have, in case you too have the same question:

1. 1. What skills do I need to be great group coach? Remember that group coaching is an extension/specialization of the coaching profession. Great group coaches are skilled in the core coaching competencies, as well as experienced in group process issues. Practically this means getting out and working with groups. It’s like a muscle – if we don’t use it, we can lose the skills. What opportunities do you have/can you create to work with groups ?

2. 2. What do I need to understand about how groups work? This past summer I presented to Suzee Eibling’s Group Coaching SIG on Group Dynamics and Group Coaching. It was a blast! This topic is of real interest to both experienced and new coaches. For those who have a copy of my book, Effective Group Coaching, please check out Chapter 3 which goes into considerations for coaches regarding group development as well as learning styles.

3. 3. What’s the difference between team and group coaching? Many coaches, myself included, will probably find a natural progression and interplay between the team and group coaching work they find themselves working within. Both are sisters. What I cover throughout the Group Coaching Essentials program is highly transferable to the team coaching context.

Some of the key differences of course are the relationships which may exist as well as the role of leadership, and other team roles that may exist. Please check out some of the recent blog posts I have written this fall on Team Coaching and Team Coaching resources (click on the team coaching tab here at the blog).

4. 4. How do I price group coaching? I actually think this was the most popular question I was asked throughout the year. I cover it more in depth in the Group Coaching Essentials program. There is a huge range out there, which I feel is reflective of the diverse groups coaches are working with, and how they position group coaching in their business offerings. Some of the considerations you will want to think about of course is your contact time, group numbers, overhead (materials, insurance, venue etc).

5. Positioning Group Coaching In Organizations – A few weeks ago I spoke to the ICF Coaching and HRD SIG. I spoke a bit about positioning organizational group coaching. You can listen to the recording here. For those interested, you may want to become a member of this SIG. More info through the ICF’s SIG links.

6. 6. What exercises can I use? There are some terrific resources out there on the web these days. Most coaches will already have a selection of great coaching exercises that can be adapted for groups. We spend a week of the Group Coaching Essentials program looking at this topic, and you can check out the many blog posts I’ve written over the years on this (use the Exercises tab). This year I’ve also seen a resurgence in the number of coaches purchasing the Engaging Exercises E-Manual (one of the first products I created for my business in 2005). Also refer to the Appendix of the Effective Group Coaching book (40 pages of exercises there).

7. 7. From a business perspective, what do I need to have in place? The question of systems for your business and work is a very common and important question I get asked frequently. Please check out this post from 2010 as well as a more recent one on systems which can support you in making the work easier.

8. 8. How Should I market group coaching? A huge question! Consider your audience, your marketing strategy, your strengths. I’ll be working with coaches and trainers this Thursday December 22^nd during the Year End BizSuccess Business Planning Virtual Retreat (10-4pm ET) and a main focus of the day will be on planning for your business, as well as your marketing! A few spaces still open – click here for more info.

9. 9. How much can I fit into a group coaching session? I always remind coaches of the Less is More principle. Much of the benefit from a client’s perspective is the opportunity to connect and be in dialogue with others, and have time for space, focus and reflection. Often this means not trying to cram too much into a call or in person session, and thinking about what is a nice to have, rather than a need to have.

10. And probably the number one question – How can I build a successful business as a coach? I’ve heard this question for years throughout the 90 Day BizSuccess program, and during the early years of my business when I worked part time as a Business Faculty Lecturer. Building a coaching business is similar to other businesses – it takes time, focus and perseverance. I often remind coaches of the importance of the 1% rule – taking daily, or regular action, on important business goals. What are your business goals for the next year? Who is going to support you and hold you accountable as you move forward?

I look forward to continuing with the Coaching Business Builder series of posts here at the blog during 2012, as well as continuing to work with coaches individually on their own business development, as well as through programs like the Mentor Coaching Group and this week’s Year End BizSuccess Business Planning Virtual Retreat.

I’m eager to see where I’ll be connecting with coaches next year! If you are looking for a speaker for your group/association/conference on topics related to coaching, group coaching, leadership or business development, please contact me. I’d love to connect and learn more about your needs.

Questions – as always please feel free to reach me directly by email or phone (listed below).

Have a terrific holiday season!

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

New programs start in early January 2012 - Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs - Jan 12th and 24th), Mentor Coaching Group (Jan 13th)

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Phone : 416.996.8326

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Group Coaching Day 12 of 12 - 7 Considerations for Coaches

On our 12th day of the 12 days of the holidays, I wanted to share with you what I have seen as 7 Essential items and Considerations for Coaches, which I hope you will reflect upon and integrate as you move into the New Year:

1. Being clear on what you want to focus on and create in your work. In today's world there is a lot of noise about what coaches should focus on and do. Where do you want to spend your time in your business? Who do you want to serve? What unique offerings do you want to create with your work.
2. Continued Investment in refining your skills -Working with groups is an art and science. What investment have you made lately in refining your skills? What courses would you like to take during 2011 to add onto your tool kit? What new skills will benefit you, and your clients?
3. Getting into action - As important as it is to keep abreast of the latest trends, with group coaching, training and working with groups, the most important thing is to get into action and actually work with groups. Don't fall into the trap of over-educating without practice. Look for, and create opportunities in the new year to work with groups - in person, or virtual.
4. Knowing what tools you have at hand - When was the last time you took stock of what coaching tools you have at your disposal? Take a quick inventory of what you have at hand, and what you may want to budget for in the new year.
5. Look at the sytems you have in place and what you need to not reinvent the wheel. What can become standard practice for you and your business? What systems do you have in the areas of tracking your coaching hours, invoicing, tracking expenditures, budgeting, registrations etc?
6. Track your results - What were the activities during 2010 that really gave you inpact or brough in business? Which ones sucked up a lot of time and have not given any return (now or perceived in the future). Focus on those tasks which will give you more impact and results.
7. Ask about the impact you are having - Quantifying and qualifying the benefits of coaching can sometimes be nebulous. Regularly ask your clients what impact and benefits the coaching is having for them. Feedback, both positive and constructive, can serve to point you in new and continued directions.

I hope that you have enjoyed all the holiday specials this year. They will all be available until December 31st - you can check them out here.

Wishing you a wonderfully prosperous, happy and healthy 2011.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials.com - Next Group Coaching Essentials class starts January 13th

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Group Coaching: Day 9 of 12 Days of Holidays - 8 Favorite Tools this Year

It is day 9 of the 12 days of holiday specials and I will be returning to post again next week for Days 10 - 12 in lead up to the end of the year. For now, I want to wish you and yours a very wonderful holiday season. For those who celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, I hope that the day is special and celebrative for you.

During this 9th day of holiday specials geared to professionals and coaches who work on group programs, I wanted to share 8 of my favorite tools, books and other resources I found enjoyable, and important, this year in my work:

1. MindJet's MindMapping Software - For years I have used MindJet's software to support me with program design as well as brainstorming with marketing and other business issues. Another great mindmapping tool, this one free, and open source, can be found at MindMeister.com.
2. Post It Notes - Yes, the simple tool of post-it notes has so many applications, from serving as a structure or visual reminder for clients, or as a great brainstorming tool.
3. Visual Explorer - I continue to bring this tool into many of my in person work, and coaches are starting to also explore how the digital option can be integrated into their virtual programs. Check out Visual Explorer from the Center for Creative Leadership.
4. The Coaching Game - Many of you may be familiar with a similar coaching tool entitled The Coaching Game. Great opportunities for application within the group coaching context as well as with individual coaching work.
5. Cindy Huggett's Book Visual Learning Basics. I continue to love the books put out by ASTD press for their practicality. One of the best ones I read this year was Cindy's Visual Learning Basics, a book I consider a must-read for coaches holding teleclasses, teleseminars, webinars or group coaching programs by phone. You can purchase a copy at Amazon as well as at ASTD's online store at http://www.astd.org/.
6. Vistaprint's phenomenal marketing materials available at low cost. Whether you are looking for business cards, letter head or banners, VistaPrint provides great quality and quick turnaround at a reasonable price.
7. Ordering from Amazon - this year coaches continued to enjoy the recommendations I've made around books (see the right column Bookstore at my Group Coaching Essentials website). As my book Effective Group Coaching has been rolled out this year to the market place I have been amazed by how it facilitates global purchasing as well as digital consumption through the Kindle and other e-readers.
8. FreeConferenceCalling.com - Looking for a reliable and free teleconferencing service? FreeConferenceCalling.com is one of my favorites as I continue to find the recording services of very good quality. I also enjoy the web dashboard I have as a facilitator to keep tabs on the call
(muting, hands raised etc).

I look forward to connecting back with all of you after Christmas as we wrap up days 10-12. You can view all of the specials over the last two weeks here at my site.

Happy Holidays all!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials Program: An ICF Accredited CCE Program
Potentials Realized

Monday, June 09, 2008

10 Essential Items for Your Next Participant's Retreat or Group Coaching Kit

Looking for some quick tips on what to include in your next retreat or in-person group coaching kit for participants?

Here' s a quick list of 10 items I always include for each of my in-person programs:

Welcome Letter
Learning Guide/Manual to accompany the program (with ample space to write on/in)
Book (or e-book link to sustain the learning once back at home/the office
Notice of group follow up call or individual coaching session
Invitation/announcements of future programs
Resource List/Bibliography for further follow up
Business Card
Postcard (which participants can also use at the end of the program as a "letter to themselves about their greatest learning which you collect and mail out at a later date to remind them)
Personalized pen from your company
Gift Certificate for discount to future programs or services

Running a virtual program (one by phone)? Consider how these items can be modified and distributed to participants by email or snail mail prior to the programs. Remember, 60% of participants are visual learners, and in a virtual or phone based environment, it is still important for participants to have some immediate visual cues.

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

PS - I've had a lot of emails indicating that you are finding the Top 10 lists quite useful for your work related to group coaching, workshops and retreats. What other top 10 lists would you like to see? Drop me a quick email and let me know! I'm happy to feature your request in any upcoming post.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

10 Essential Items for your facilitation kit

Top 10 Essential Items for Any In-Person Program for Group Coaching, Workshops and Retreats

I’m leading a couples retreat, RelationshipsOnFire, next weekend and spent part of yesterday with my wonderful retreat co-facilitator putting finishing touches on our preparation.

As we went through our checklist, I was reminded of 10 Essential items I make sure I have packed for every in-person program I run – regardless of whether it is a workshop, a retreat or a group coaching program. So that I always ensure that I have them with me I actually have a hard plastic case (about the size of a shoe box) that they fit in. I can easily store it away after each program

Here are 10 favorite items I have in my toolbox for every retreat:

1. My 3 Essential evalution questions – What worked well? What are you taking away? What should we do differently next time?
2. Markers – the low smell ones (note some participants are highly allergic to the standard/high scented ones)
3. Blank Index Cards
4. Lots of 4x6 inch post-it notes
5. Stickers and coloured paper
6. Tape –masking tape or some of the fun coloured sticky tape you can buy at most dollar stores. I also usually like to have a spare on hand (just in case)
7. Pair of scizzors – you never know when you are going to need them
8. Coloured dots: These can be used for a number of purposes including having group members “vote” for their favorite(s), or indicate their preference. It’s a quick, colourful visual way to have all voices and opinions heard/seen within a group or team.
9. Blank Name tags (and usually blank name cards): It’s always much nicer to be able to quickly see who
10. Blank Postcards with the program name on it for participants to write a message/reminder on it. I collect these and put them into envelopes and send them out after a program. It’s a great way to keep the learning alive after a program. VistaPrint.com, which I’ve mentioned before, is a great place to get small batches of postcards/rackcards/business cards printed at.

What else do you pack as an essential item for your group programs? Feel free to comment below

Have a wonderful week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Potentials Realized

Friday, December 28, 2007

My favorite posts from 2007

I hope that you have been enjoying your holiday and have managed to fit in some downtime. I've been relishing the time that I've had to spend with my family as well as some recharging of my batteries.

I was back in the office today facilitating the Group Program Virtual Intensive. I've run two of the programs in the last few weeks and continue to be amazed at the results participants are taking away. Most participants have taken away not just one, but two, new group programs as a result of the six hours of structured focus and exercises the program offers. Most participants have said one of the most beneficial parts of the program is the coaching that goes with the program to keep them in momentum.

If you've missed the last two programs, don't worry, I've got another one scheduled for March 10 and 12, 2008 (7-10 pm EST both evenings) and I will likely announce another new session for those who want to get a jumpstart on their group programs in January.

Here's a list of my favorite blog posts from the Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog for the year. I hope that you will take a moment and click on over -- you are guaranteed to take away some new tips for your programs!

1. Group Facilitation Tip – Co-Facilitation:

2. 5 Ways to Use Index Cards for Your Group Programs

3. Current Trends in Learning and Development:
6 current trends from this year's ASTD International Conference in June 2007

4. Selecting a Venue for Your Group Program:

5. Dealing with Difficult Participants:

6. Group Failitation Tip – Debrief Exercises

7. Group Facilitation Tip – Preparation:

8. Best Practices for Group Coaching

9. Group Coaching Best Practices Part 2

10. Workshop, Retreat and Group Coaching Checklist:

What were your favorite blog posts here this year? Which ones did you find most useful? As always, please feel free to comment below!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

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