Group Coaching: Being Proactive in Navigating Tricky Issues

Over the past few years I have written quite a bit on Tricky Issues in Group Coaching, and cover off some of the tricky issues new group coaches may face in my book Effective Group Coaching (refer to chapter ). Being proactive in avoiding these pitfalls is paramount in mitigating or side stepping some of the tricky issues that can emerge.

Whether it is a tricky logistical issue such as bridgeline failure, or a participant issue as a dominant talker in your group, here are three things group coaches will want to keep in mind:

1. 1. Preparation and Presence – As coaches we always want to ensure that we are coaching in the moment and being fully present with what we are hearing and observing with our client group. At the same time, pre-program/session preparation can be invaluable in getting to know your clients, their needs, agendas and preferences. Preparation may include holding pre-program 1-1 calls with each participant or having a menu of exercises you can select from related to that weekly theme. In terms of preparation and presence you will want to take a look at chapter 5 (Design) and Chapter 9 (Preparation) of my book

2. 2. Systematize – I have written quite a bit about the importance of systems here at the blog. Having systems allow you to replicate your work more quickly and enable you to have the bandwidth to address tricky issues as they arise. Systems such a registration forms, payments, bridgelines can make the work easier to replicate a second, third or fourth time.

3. 3. Practice – Great group coaching is an art. Even the most seasoned coaches and faciiators will get rusty when they are not in front of a group. Practice, practice, practice, is an important part of mastery as a (group) coach. As you grow in your work, ask yourself “What are the edges to my learning?”, “What activities will help me stretch and grow?”. What opportunities do you have, or can you create, to get in front of groups?

In closing, keep an eye on the horizon for what may opportunities may emerge for you and immerse yourself in the rich experiences you create with groups.

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2011): http://bit.ly/dAlgf3

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/effectivegroupcoaching

Consider joining us for an upcoming program such as the Mentor Coaching Group (for ACC Renewals or ACC/PCC portfolio routes) starting Sept 27th at 8:30 pm ET or the Group Coaching Essentials program starting October 11th at 7 pm Et.

Always have a back up

Whether you run teleclasses, workshops or group coaching it's always a great idea to have a back up. This morning a new Group Coaching Essentials program launched. 20 minutes into our call, and mid-stream into our group introductions, the bridgeline failed. A facilitator/coach's worst nightmare! Luckily I've learned from experience to always have a back up and within five minutes we had easily migrated over to a new bridgeline. Regardless of the beads of sweat that did emerge on my brow for a minute as I located the backup number, it was a great learning experience for the coaches on the call who will be leading their own groups in a short while! I know that they will always have a back-up bridgeline, based on this experience.

Recovery is key when problems emerge. Remember that as the coach/facilitator/leader your tone, energy and composure will have a key impact on if the program goes off the rails, or it swings quickly back on course.

So whether you are running a teleclass/teleseminar/group coaching program by phone and need a back-up bridgeline, or a coach who works in person and may need a back-up hand-out, remote or set of markers, consider for yourself "What back up do you need to put in place in the event that things break down"?.

If you've got an experience to share that others can all learn from around this topic, please email me, and we can feature it on a future post.

Have a smooth rest of your week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - Want to learn what to look out for with your own group coaching program? Join me for the October session which starts October 11th from 7-8:15 pm Eastern. 6.75 ICF CCEs.

Group Coaching Pitfalls - and how to mitigate!

For many coaches starting to do this group work, a major question is what should I be aware of. Today's post is about things that can go wrong with the group coaching program. Prehaps:
· the room you have booked is not set up as you had hoped.
· Materials that you prepared cannot be printed, due to printer malfunction ink running out or printer malfunction.
· Participants get lost on way to venue.
· Bridgeline malfunctions.
· You acquire laryngitis.

In fact all of these issues, while we could look at it as something going wrong in fact, they can be great learning moments. The other good piece of news is that for many of these you can mitigate the risk (lessen the likelihood) by putting a few systems in place.

Room Set up and Arrival: A best practice for any in person program is to arrive at the room that you've booked at least half an hour OR More before the earliest participant may show up, so this may mean one hour to an hour and a half before participants are due to arrive.

Even with the most is explicit directions from. It is quite common that you arrive and the location is not set up as she would've liked. Do not fear find it who is in charge of the room area and work with them support you in getting the room and order.

Materials production: Always have a spare cartridge on hand or even a spare printer. If you are and sourcing this provides some breathing space. So that materials can be shipped to you in time.

Venue Directions: Another best practice or participants don't get lost on the way to the venue is to be explicit with directions. If you are hosting in a hotel or other public venue. Provide a URL link bracket ensure that this URL link works and of bracket. So that you are not responsible for the love of location.

Acquiring laryngitis: It can happen from time to time and has less of an impact on face to face programs, but tremendous impact for phone based programs. For phone based programs, you will want to have a backup -- either postphone or provide a recording. For Face to Face programs youmay use need to use a lot more nonverbal than before. It's a great opportunity for participants to take on leading roles (if it is a multigroup session). Provide the group with more questions and give them more time to work in small groups and present back their findings to the larger group.

Bridgeline Malfunctions: Always have a back up bridgeline AND a plan which is communicated to partcipants about what they should do if the bridgeline malfunctions (i.e. you will send out an email or will automatically switch to another line). For large group programs always do a test! The quality of your bridgeline says a lot about you, and your business.

What other tricky issues have you encountered? How did you deal with them? What questions do you have?

Have a great start to the week,
Jenn

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPT
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Mobile: (416) 996-TEAM(8326)
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

Group Coaching Tricky Issues: Difficult Participants

What to do with difficult participants?

Even with the best training as a coach, chances are that as you start working with groups, there will be some tricky issues that pop up.

Today's post all about dealing with difficult particpants during a group coaching session, workshop or retreat.

Remember that some of the reasons why participants become "difficult" is that they do not feel:
1. heard
2. valued
3. comfortable
4. safe

Take a look at your program and ask yourself, "How am I creating a safe space for everyone to participate?".

Some additional considerations to be proactive in avoiding difficult participant issues include:

1. Create ground rules with the group at the start of a program which everyone agrees to and subscribes to
2. Undertake pre-calls with each participant as they register. This can help to answer any questions they have regarding what they can expect about the program
3. Let participants know what they can expect as clearly as possible.
4. Be clear on what your expectations are as a facilitator.

What's been one of the trickiest issues you have faced with a group coaching program? When in doubt, lean into some of the best practices that have been covered here over the last 3 years.

Have a wonderful week!

Jennifer

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

PS - Spaces are filling quickly for the Group Program Virtual Intensive - a 6 hour program designed to provide you with the space, a structure and roadmap to quickly design your next workshop, retreat or group coaching program. The program will be held on Sunday December 7 from 10 - 4 pm ET. Cost: $125 US. Click here for more info or to register online.