The 80/20 Rule

A number of coaches often ask me "How do I know how much content to fit into a group coaching session?". From my perspective there seems to be a large continuum of what is being classified as group coaching these days - from the traditional "teleclass" model, where the coach does a vast majority of the talking and information delivery, to an organic "dance" with the clients, where the clients bring the agenda.

I often speak about the 80/20 rule when designing programs for groups. There is an innate tendency for coaches, trainers etc. to want to fit "everything" into their program. This can lead to overload for the participants, as well as a more directive programleaving little space for the participants to discover new information or insights or to try them on.

The 80/20 rule works like this - take a look at the overall information you want to cover during an upcoming program or session. What would happen if you took away 20% of the material? Would it leave more space for personal discovery? Less overload? More space for discussion and sharing?

My request for you is to carve up your upcoming program into the 20% you will put aside for another program, and the 80% you are going to keep. What happens? I'd be very interested in hearing about the outcome - send me an email to jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or use the comment link below. I will be publishing several responses for an upcoming e-book I have planned, and would be pleased to share your experience with the 80/20 rule (as well as your contact information).

I will be talking much more about the 80/20 rule, and putting it into practice with coaches who join me in Toronto on April 29-30th for the Group Coaching Essentials Intensive - a two day, hands-on skill building program, which will provide coaches with the opportunity to create their own group coaching program and its marketing. For more information, give me a call at 1-866-217-1960. An Early Bird discount of $100 is in effect until the beginning of April.

All the best for your continued success,
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, CPCC

The Power of a Take-Away

I really like to give participants something tangible to take away from a group coaching program. This may be as simple as a journal I give out at the start of a program for participants to write in, during and after our sessions, or it may be a collage participants have designed themselves during the program. It's very easy now to purchase inexpensive journals, or blank books, at a dollar store. I often have participants email me weeks or months after a program is complete, thanking me for the gift of the journal which they now use regularly.

One of the many powerful tools we have as coaches is accountability. A take-away can be a reminder to our group coaching clinents of their commitments, their dreams, their vision. What take-away will you include in your next group coaching program?

I'd love to hear from you through the comment link below -- what's your favourite take-away?

Jennifer
jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
http://www.potentialsrealized.com

Space still remains for the March Group Coaching Essentials Program - starting Tuesday at 7 pm (EST)

What's the optimum size of a group coaching session?

I often get asked the question - what's the optimum size of a group coaching session? I'm afraid that there is no one single response. One of my values in running programs is interactivity, so I tend to limit most of my group coaching programs run by phone to 8 participants for an hour - 75 minute session. This allows for discussion amongst individual clients, and both individual and group work on the phone.

In looking at your own programs and identifying the ideal group size, consider the following:

• What is your company and coaching philosophy?
• Is the program in person? By phone?
• How long is the program running - individual sessions, number of sessions?
• What are the goals of the program?
• What do your clients expect? What will benefit them most?
• What do you want clients to take away? To experience in your program?
• How have you priced the program? What is your financial bottom line?

Considering these questions will support you in coming up with your own optimum group coaching session size.

Group Coaching Essentials Program starts March 7th

Are you looking to develop or refine your own Group Coaching Programs? The next Group Coaching Essentials program will be starting on March 7th. This teleseminar program is held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:15 pm (EST) on March 7, 21, 28 and April 11th.

This program is designed for coaches who want to expand their practice to include group coaching. The course covers the nuts and bolts of Group Coaching and will provide you with new tools and structures to create your own Group Coaching Programs. Topics include:

• The Essentials of Group Coaching - What is it? How does it differ from one-on-one coaching? Adult Learning Principles. Experiential Education. Best practices in group coaching
• The Nuts and Bolts of developing Your Group Coaching Program: How Tos, Templates, Techniques
• Marketing Your Group Coaching Program
• Filling Your Toolbox: Exercises and other resources for group coaching

The cost of the program is $225 USD and includes four 75 minute group calls, a follow-up group call, pre and post course 1-1 meetings with the course facilitator, and a comprehensive manual for your reference and use in group coaching programs.

Course size is limited to 8 coaches so please register early!

To find out more, or to register, please contact me, Jennifer at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or call me toll free at 1-866-217-1960. Your own group coaching program will be ready to roll out by the spring. Think about that!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer

Potentials Realized: www.potentialsrealized.com

A Personal Welcome to the Group Coaching Ins and Outs Blog

How To....Set Up A Teleseminar Bridge Line

Throughout the Group Coaching Essentials program (stay tuned...a new program is starting in a few weeks) I get a lot of coaches who ask, "How do I set up a Teleseminar bridge line so I can run my group coaching programs by phone?".

I offer my group coaching programs both by phone and in person. Each has its advantages and disadvantages (more on this later). Over the past year, I've been focusing more of my time on phone based programs, particularly as I have an 8-month old son. I really love the diversity of phone based programs - having participants call in from all over the world and from so many different time zones.

There are a number of ways you can arrange for your own teleseminar bridge lines. Some are at cost, some free.

If you are a member of the ICF (International Coach Federation) one of the member benefits has been free bridgeline accessibility for a couple hours each month. You can also check out www.freeconference.com. I've been using FreeConference.com for the last two years and have never had a problem. It's a great service.

If you are looking to develop your own teleseminar or phone based group coaching program, and want some tips and tools to support you, along with an accountability structure, you will want to consider the Group Coaching Essentials program. This, and much, much more is covered during the one-month program. Later this week, I'll be posting some of the comments from the January coaches who just completed the program, along with the next course dates which start soon!