Upcoming Programs - Group Coaching Training, Retreats, Mentor Coaching Group

At the start of each month I like to provide a quick update on upcoming programs. Here's our line up for the next month or so:

Group Coaching Essentials - This ICF approved CCE program is designed for coaches who want tips, tools and accountability around designing, marketing and implementing their own group coaching programs (virtual, in-person, public or corporate). The program consists of 5x75 minute gorup calls, weekly 1-1 lazer coaching calls with me, and an 80 page manual delivered in weekly modules. Group size is limited to 8 coaches to ensure maximum interaction. 6.75 CCEs.

Upcoming dates:
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: November 15, 22, 29 December 13 and 20, 2011 (5 spaces open)
or the December accelerated program - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:15 pm Eastern: December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2011
Cost: $375 US or CDN (including HST)

Click here for more info and to register.

Group Coaching Intensive - 2 day in person training - Toronto
December 3-4, 2011 (Sat/Sunday) - Sat 8-4, Sunday 8:30 - 5
This is a 15 hour/2 day in person group coaching training program. It will provide coaches with tools in design, marketing and implementation as well as skill practice and feedback for group coaching. All coaches participating receive a manual (which includes dozens of tools, templates and ideas), a copy of my book Effective Group Coaching, and a Group Coaching Toolbox (a box of tools for you to use with your groups), as well as a light lunch. ICF CCE approval will be sought for the program (past programs have received 15 CCEs including 13 hrs of Core Coaching competencies).
Cost: $950 CDN plus HST. Register with a colleague and each receive a $175 discount. Space is limited to 8 coaches.
Click here to register and reserve your spot

2012 BizSuccess Virtual Business Planning Retreat
Friday December 2 and 9 (1-4 pm Eastern/10-1 pm Pacific each day) - By phone
Each year end I host a two day virtual business planning retreat. If you are a coach and want to carve out some time for planning, as well as taking action on some business goals, then this is for you! You'll leave the program with a business road map for 2012, as well as spend time creating your vision and goals for the next year. We'll explore partnerships and you'll also have time to flesh out one of your major business projects. I'll be available throughout the day for any 1-1 work you want to do (at no extra cost!). Space is limited to 12.
Cost: $195 US
Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.

Group Program Design Virtual Retreat
Friday December 16 - 10-4 pm Eastern/7am-1pm Pacific (ByPhone)
Eager to take action on your own group program (workshop, retreat, teleclass, group coaching program)? Looking for space to take action, as well as some tips, tools and ideas so you don't have to reinvent the wheel? During this one day program I'll be sharing some of my favorite tools in design, marketing and running group programs. You'll also have time to take action on your own ideas. Past retreat participants have left with marketing materials drafted, exercises selected, a draft design of their day, venues identified. The day is all about you getting into action. I'll also be available at points throughout the day to answer your 1-1 questions. Your retreat registration also includes a 40 page manual, and a group follow up call one month after the event.
Cost: $175 US
Click here to register and reserve your spot.

Mentor Coaching Group
As many of you might know this year I started offering mentor coaching groups for coaches who are looking to acquire their mentor coaching hours for ACC renewals, or ACC/PCC portfolio routes. This is a 10 hour mentor coaching package, which includes 7 hours of group mentor coaching calls, and 3 hours of individual mentor coaching sessions (held monthly). We look at all 11 core coaching competencies of the ICF, and coaches will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on their skills during the program. Each week you'll receive worksheets to support you with your learning.

The next group is scheduled to start on Fridays from 12-1 pm Eastern/9-10 am Pacific on January 6th. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. If you have a group of 4 of your own and want to get started earlier, please give me a call. Want to start earlier? Let me know as I often receive requests from coaches who want to join a group.
Current pricing: $1000/10 hours. Pricing will increase in January.
Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.

If you have any questions about these upcoming programs, please do not hesitate to contact me directly by email or phone.

I look forward to having you join me!

Warm regards
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Phone: (416)996-TEAM (8326)

Team versus Group Coaching - What's the Difference?

This past weekend I attended the Annual Fall ICF GTA Conference here in Toronto. It was wonderful to reconnect with many old colleagues and make new connections with others. A number of coaches asked me "What is the difference between team and group coaching?".

In fact, many of the tools and approaches coaches will use in working with teams and groups are very similar, if not identical.

What is different are a couple of key points to consider in terms of how you are working with teams vs. groups:

1. Teams will have some form of leadership which needs to be taken into consideration in designing the type of coaching which will happen. In all of the team coaching, and team systems coaching work I do, team leaders play a key role. In fact, the team coaching process may be started because of a new team leader coming on board. Typically a group coaching process is not impacted by leadership directly.

For example, if I am working with a group of new managers in an organization, they are likely to have different leaders that they report to. Part of our coaching may involve having them share their learning with their leaders, but the leaders are not directly involved in the caoching.

2. Teams have relationships which usually exist before, and after, the coaching relationship. Groups which form for coaching may know each other, but have a different type of relationship. As we often say, teams exist to produce results, so team relationships have a key focus in team coaching. This may not always be the case with group coaching. For example, if I am working with a group of new business owners, chances are that they may be meeting each other for the first time. Their focus will likely be on strengthing their own businesses first, and getting to know each other second. It is still important to be aware of team and group dynamics issues in both.

Stay tuned for a couple of additional posts I am going to write on team coaching resources, and other factors which distinguish teams and groups.

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the ICF approved CCE - Group Coaching Essentials program - next group starts by phone on Tuesday November 15th at 10:30 am Eastern (6.75 CCEs)

Making Virtual Group Coaching More Effective - 5 Tips

More and more coaches these days are exploring how virtual group coaching programs, delivered by bridgelines or even video, can support their clients and match their own needs.

Facilitating, and coaching, in the virtual realm requires some different skills, as well as structures. What are some practical things you can make your group coaching by phone/web more effective? Here are five suggestions for making virtual group coaching more effective:

1. Consider what you really want to use the call time for. With virtual programs my preference is usually to use the time in dialogue, discussion and coaching. This often requires that group members undertake some prep before the call, as pre- or post work.
What do you want to use your call time for?

2. Spend time before the program building relationships with group members. Many of you know about my insistence on holding short pre-program calls prior to public programs I host. This is an opportunity for me to learn more about each group member, their needs, goals and also preferences.
What focus do you want to have pre-program on getting to know your group members?

3. Consider spending time building relationships between sessions with individual group members. Especially with public programs, when groups will disband after the program, members appreciate more touch points with me as coach. Many of my programs over the years have had a hybrid 1-1 and group mix to address this issue. People usually love the opportunity to meet with me 1-1, even if is for a shorter call, to explore their topics/issues more deeply.

4. What visual supports will the group benefit from? Technology is enabling us to incorporate visual media in many foms. What supports will the group members benefit from? A PDF workbook/worksheet? Slides which they can view as prompters? Streaming Video?
Consider what visual supports your groups can benefit from.

5. Consider and address what barriers may exist in group member's participation. Many barriers can exist to virtual program participation. From lack of familiarity with the technology, to low bandwidth issues, to lack of engagement.
Consider what barriers might exist for your group members.

As I 've also written in other posts, practice, practice, practice. Group Coaching is as much as art as a skill set. If we don't use it, we lose it!

What action will you take in the coming weeks to move your virtual programming forward?

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - our next CCE approved program starts this Friday October 28th at 10:30 am Eastern (6.75 ICF CCEs)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Group Coaching Nuts and Bolts - Room Set up

Today's post is about going back to the nuts and bolts (the practicalities) of group coaching - logistics!

Many coaches will opt to run their programs in person, whether they are running their own programs or working with organizations.

Here are some very practical considerations when thinking about room set up:

1. Look at lighting and temperature
2. Is there sufficient room for the group to meet and work in breakouts if necessary?
3. What configuration is going to work best - (U shape)
4. Does furniture move? - Tables/Chairs. If not, what changes are you going to need to make
5. What insurance, if any, is required by the facility? (Note some venues will ask for proof of Liability insurance in the event of slips, trips and falls. Will vary by jursidiction - check out what is required in your area).
6. What support materials (flipcharts/markers/tape/LCD projector) will be provided by the site - is it free or at a cost?
7. What materials do you need to bring with you (i.e. extra copies)
8. What will you do about meals/coffee breaks? Does the venue allow people to bring in their own food/drinks?
9. Who is the point person/contact person in the event of any challenges (i.e. room too hot, lights blow etc). How can they be reached?
10. What is the earliest you can enter the room? When do you have to be out of it?
11. What deposit is required to secure the room? What is their cancellation policy?

These are just a few questions you will want to consider when deciding on a venue and looking at room set up.

Are there other questions you would recommend, based on your experience? As always, please feel free to comment below.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials.com - Next class starts Friday October 28th from 10:30-11:45 am Eastern - Calls held Oct 28, Nov 4, 18, Dec 2 and 9, 2011 (6.75 CCEs with the ICF)

Upcoming Events - Group Coaching - Join me

This is a quick post for a couple of announcements of things happening in the next week or so:


1. Join me Monday evening (Oct 24) from 7-8pm Eastern when I am a Guest Speaker on The Coaching Lab Online Radio on Blog Talk Radio. I'll be speaking with Coach Ryan Decoste about Group Coaching. Here's the link for more info:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coachryan#.Tn9CcbjyV_k.mailto

You can also call in during the last half of the call to ask questions.

2. The next Group Coaching Essentials program starts next Friday October 28th from 10:30-11:45 am Eastern. This is an ICF approved CCE program (6.75 hrs), providing coaches with tools, templates and resources for designing, marketing and implementing their own group coaching work.

Our upcoming programs which still have spaces available are:
Fridays 10:30-11:45 am Eastern: October 28, November 4, 18, December 2 and 9, 2011

Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: November 15, 22, 29, December 13 and 2011

Tues/Thurs 7-8:15 pm Eastern: December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15 2011 (Accelerated Program)

You can learn more and register at http://bit.ly/9Q7oSc.

3. If you are a coach in the Toronto area I will be at the GTA ICF Conference on Saturday October 29th. I will have a booth so drop by and say hi. You will be able to purchase copies of Effective Group Coaching, pick up a Group Coaching Toolkit Resource book. I will also have special Conference pricing for the December 3-4 Group Coaching Intensive (15 hrs) which will be held in Toronto - spaces still open.

4. I'll be leading a 2 hour workshop on Group Coaching in Philadelphia on November 11th at the 2011 PACA Conference. Looking forward to meeting many of you there!

Finally, a quick reminder to check out our Effective Group Coaching Facebook page. I have recently posted a copy of last week's audio on Group Coaching Exercises, and have also uploaded my first Effective Group Coaching Video Tip on Going Virtual. You can check it out on my new Effective Group Coach Channel on YouTube or through our Facebook page. I welcome your comments.

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials.com
Phone: 416.996.TEAM

Virtual Group Coaching Tips

Many more coaches are exploring the world of teleclass, webinar and virtual group coaching delivery these days. As someone who has had a bulk of programming being offered online since 2004, I always encourage coaches to see how these modalities can support the learning and connection amongst your group members.

It's a very different landscape than it was in 2004, with mobile technology having made great changes in our lives, and people being more comfortable in using it.

I'm about to release one of my first videos and the focus is questions should ask when going virtual. I'll post a link to the blog as well as our Effective Group Coaching Facebook page when it is live (maybe even later today!).

If you are a coach looking to add virtual programming to your mix, you will want to check out the past posts I have written under the virtual learning tag, as well as 5 Questions to Ask Yourself when going virtual.

Enjoy and have a great week! I'll keep you posted about when the video is live. I hope that you will enjoy my upcoming video tips for Effective Group Coaching.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials - Our next CCE approved program starts on Friday October 28th from 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern/'New York by phone. Spaces are still open for coaches who are looking for tips, tools and ideas for designing, marketing and running their own group coaching work.

Coaching Business Builder - Track It!

The Pareto Principle states that we get 80% of our results from 20% of our effort. What activities are giving you your biggest impact these days?

In building a business it is critical to notice where your results are coming from - in the short term, as well as the medium and long term. As new clients start and as you receive inquiries notice where people are hearing about you and your services. Over time track which ones are a constant source, as well as ones that perhaps aren't giving you the return you would like.

On the tracking side of things, in addition to inquiries and registrations, here are some other items you may wish to track over time:
- Inquiries (sources, volume, frequency, peaks at time of year)
- Registrations for individual, team and/or group coaching (volume, sources, frequency, peaks/lows)
- Cash Flow (particularly any cycles/downtimes/cash crunches)
- Results from specific marketing campaigns (newsletters/social media/tradeshows/articles/speaking etc)


What other activities do you want to keep an eye on for your business?

Going forward, what are the activities you really, really want to keep a focus on?

Have a great week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Potentials Realized
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs): Next Program Starts October 28th (Fridays from 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern)