Group Coaching Is Hot
by Joseph Liberti
Ten years ago, “group coaching” was virtually unheard of, today a Google search for that term will yield you over 13 million pages. You will find specialty groups on many subjects including leadership, internet marketing, getting a job or writing a blog. And there’s many advertisements for tools and instruction for running a group. Why all the interest and activity? Group coaching works.
More Support – Lower Cost
Group coaching is appealing to clients because it offers, a sense of community, the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others, and a lower monthly cost than individual coaching. Group coaching is good for coaches because it increases their hourly rate, builds a community of clients who are prospects for individual coaching, and gives them an attractive lower price alternative to market.
Group coaching is similar to individual coaching in purpose and method. Members with similar goals meet two to four times a month for learning and support. Coaches provide lessons and individual coaching and feedback as part of the process. Rates range from Less than $100 to several hundred dollars a month.
How do you run an effective group coaching program?
Group coaching works best when you have a structure and a process. You want your group to be safe and inviting and an effective learning environment and so do your clients. Provide that with a consistent format and meeting flow, a lesson plan for each meeting, effective facilitation and your leadership.
You will be more successful if you develop skills of group facilitation that enable you to – create safety, stimulate participation, manage group dynamics, maintain your presence and composure, deal with emotional agendas and create valuable learning experiences.
I was fortunate to begin my coaching education in 1980 with talented people who were specialists in group process. They taught me skills of group coaching and I learned by observing them in action. Then as an intern I co-facilitated two groups per week and got feedback and support from my mentor. Over time I synthesized what I learned into my own process and small group coaching became a main part of my coaching business.
Advanced Group Coaching Training
Today, my EQ At Work Coach and Trainer Certification program teaches the principles and practices of emotionally intelligent, effective group coaching as part of the curriculum. The coaches learn the theory in our workshops and by observing my group coaching techniques in action. Then they practice the methods in our coaching lab and get support and feedback.
Coaching Lab: Distance Learning That Feels Like Being In the Same Room
Our unique telephone conference system allows us to conduct sessions as though we were in a live workshop by creating breakout sessions. You get experience coaching one-on-one, and by coaching small groups. Then you get immediate feedback on your coaching and how to improve it. What a great way to build competence and confidence.
Be A Group Coaching Whiz AND Become A Certified Coach
In the EQ At Work certification training you get both advanced group coaching skills and certification as an EQ Coach. The next program begins January 13 2010. Enroll by December 15, 2009 and get the early bird discount. Click for details and a free pre-registration interview.
