Effective Group Coaching E-Book

Jennifer J. Britton

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 377

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2010

Beschreibung

Group coaching is rapidly becoming the preferred coaching option for businesses and individuals. Effective Group Coaching is a practical, resource rich, hands-on guide for the group coaching facilitator in one of the fastest growing new disciplines. Organizations, community groups and individuals are discovering that group coaching is an exciting and sustainable model and process for learning and growth. Written for internal and external coaches, HR professionals, trainers and facilitators wanting to expand their work into this area, this book provides tested methodologies and tools and tips. Both new and seasoned coaches will find the book a practical roadmap and go-to guide when designing, implementing and marketing their own group coaching programs. Case studies highlight how group coaching programs are being delivered globally through corporate and public prgrams, virtually and in person. Also, the author's dedicated web site offers resources and articles available for downloading.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Table of Figures

Acknowledgements

Introduction

OUR ROAD MAP

CHAPTER 1 - WHAT IS GROUP COACHING?

THE CONTEXT

WHAT IS GROUP COACHING?

THE DIVERSITY OF GROUP COACHING—IN PERSON, VIRTUAL, CORPORATE, AND PUBLIC

WHO CREATES THE THEMES?

DIFFERENT MODELS FOR GROUP COACHING

THE CONTINUUM OF GROUP PROCESSES

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN WORKSHOPS AND GROUP COACHING?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUP COACHING AND GROUP THERAPY?

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE GROUP COACH?

CHAPTER 2 - MAKING IT STICK—THE BUSINESS (AND LEARNING) CASE FOR GROUP COACHING

THE CONTEXT

BUSINESS CASE FOR COACHING

BUSINESS BENEFITS FOR GROUP COACHING

RESULTS FOR COACHES

EFFECTING CHANGE

THE LEARNING CASE FOR COACHING

THE GROUP CASE FOR COACHING—WHAT IT IS LIKE FOR THE CLIENT?

GROUP COACHING BENEFITS

CHAPTER 3 - THE FOUNDATION OF GROUP COACHING—THE ESSENTIALS OF ADULT LEARNING

CORE PRINCIPLES OF ADULT EDUCATION

LEVERAGE THE LIFE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE GROUP

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

GROUP PROCESS

LEARNING STYLES

SELF-REFLECTION

OTHER INFLUENCERS

CHAPTER 4 - CORE SKILLS AND BEST PRACTICES OF GROUP COACHING

HOW IS GROUP COACHING SIMILAR TO ONE-ON-ONE COACHING?

WHAT FURTHER TOOLS AND SKILLS ARE NEEDED FOR GROUP COACHING?

BEST PRACTICES OF GROUP COACHING

GROUP COACHING SELF-ASSESSMENT

CHAPTER 5 - DESIGNING YOUR OWN GROUP COACHING PROGRAM

PART 1: KNOWING YOUR CLIENT

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR CLIENT

PART 2: DESIGN

DESIGN TOOL 1: MIND MAPPING

DESIGN TOOL 2: INDEX CARDS

THE MODULAR APPROACH TO PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

TEMPLATES FOR DEVELOPING GROUP COACHING PROGRAMS

CHAPTER 6 - POWERFUL DELIVERY OPTIONS: IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

SYNCHRONOUS OR ASYNCHRONOUS?

WHEN YOU HAVE DECIDED TO GO VIRTUAL

IDEAS FOR HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST VIRTUAL SESSION

WEB 2.0 AND THE IMPACT ON GROUP COACHING

CHAPTER 7 - ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR YOUR GROUP COACHING PROGRAM

TYPICAL ELEMENTS OF A GROUP COACHING PROGRAM

ESSENTIAL ITEMS—GROUP COACHING FACILITATOR KIT

ESSENTIAL ITEMS—PARTICIPANT MATERIALS

CREATING A POWERFUL TAKEAWAY FOR YOUR GROUP

ESSENTIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

ESSENTIAL TOOL: POST-IT NOTES AND INDEX CARDS—A FACILITATOR’S ALLIES

ESSENTIAL BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES

ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR THIS WORK

CHAPTER 8 - MARKETING—ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES

PART 1: MARKETING FUNDAMENTALS—THE FIVE PS

PART 2: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU—NICHE AND SWEET SPOT

PART 3: MARKETING PRACTICALITIES FOR GROUP COACHING

PART 4: DEVELOPING YOUR MARKETING MESSAGE

PART 5: GENERAL TIPS AND LEVERAGE

PART 6: DEVELOPING YOUR MARKETING PLAN

PART 7: MARKETING TO ORGANIZATIONS

CHAPTER 9 - PREPARING FOR THE PROGRAM—SYSTEMS AND LOGISTICS

TIP: PREPARATION

WHY SYSTEMS?

LOGISTICS

ESSENTIAL GO-TO SERVICE PROVIDERS

BRIDGELINE SERVICES FOR PHONE-BASED PROGRAMS

GROUP COACHING PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS

CHAPTER 10 - IMPLEMENTING YOUR PROGRAM

CREATING A POWERFUL POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

TRICKY ISSUES

EVALUATION

AFTERWORD

APPENDIX - EXERCISES FOR GROUP COACHING

Endnotes

Recommended Resources

Bibliography/References

INDEX

About the Author

Table of Figures

Figure 1.1 : The Continuum of Group Processes

Figure 5.1 : Sample MindMap

Figure 8.1 : The Product Funnel

Figure 8.2 : The Marketing Sweet Spot

Figure 9.1 : Room Layout 1—Small Groups (five to eight per table) seated at round tables

Figure 9.2 : Room Layout 2—“U” Shape (note the U can be made with chairs or table layout—preferred format)

Figure 9.3 : Room Layout 3—Traditional Classroom

Copyright © 2010 by Jennifer J. Britton

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic or mechanical without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any request for photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems of any part of this book shall be directed in writing to The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (Access Copyright). For an Access Copyright license, visit www.accesscopyright.ca or call toll free 1-800-893-5777.

Care has been taken to trace ownership of copyright material contained in this book. The publisher will gladly receive any information that will enable them to rectify any reference or credit line in subsequent editions.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold on the understanding that the Publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. If professional advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data

Britton, Jennifer J.

Effective group coaching : tried and tested tools and resources for optimum group coaching results / Jennifer J. Britton.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-470-73854-2

1. Executive coaching. 2. Employees—Coaching of. I. Title.

HD30.4.B.4′07124 C2009-906211-9

Production CreditsCover design: Joanna Vieira Interior text design: Natalia Burobina Typesetter: Thomson Digital Printer: Friesens Printing Ltd.

John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 6045 Freemont Blvd. Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4J3

FR

This book is dedicated to coaches and group facilitators around the world who are committed to refining their craft.

Also, to the teams and groups globally which I’ve had the privilege of working, and learning, with.

And, of course, to Matthew and Andray, Mom and Dad, without whose support this book would not have been possible.

Acknowledgments

Just as group coaching is not all about the coach and is created by the experience and wisdom of the group, there are a number of people I would like to thank who have made this book possible.

First, I would like to thank the group coaches who took the time to share their insights and work in the realm of group coaching. I would like to thank: Mary Allen, Ginger Cockerham, Maureen Clarke, Ann Deaton, Suzee Eibling, Eva Gregory, Deena Kolbert, Jill MacFadyen, Heidi Michaels, Lynda Monk, Marlo Nikkila, and Rita Weiss.

I would also like to thank the Alumni Community of the Group Coaching EssentialsTM program. Since I launched the program in January 2006, I have been fortunate to have been able to work with hundreds of talented coaches from around the world. Your questions and comments, as well as your work with your clients, have shaped much of what is written in this book. More importantly, your work continues to ripple out with your clients and their communities.

Thanks also to the team at John Wiley in Toronto who have made this process so smooth. I would like especially to thank Don Loney, my editor, as well as the marketing team. It’s no surprise that a Muskoka connection was found.

I also want to thank my right hand and eyes, Andray, and our son Matthew. Andray and Matthew, along with my parents Margaret and Grant, have been there to review drafts, support me and each other, while I have closed the door numerous times to head off to facilitate a group coaching program or to write this book. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Professionally, I have been blessed to interface with so many wonderful practitioners from across the training, education, humanitarian, and coaching fields for the last twenty plus years. In particular, I want to thank my team coaching partner Sharon Miller, Gail McGuire a great collaborator here in Toronto, and my former colleagues at UNDP/UNV, VSO, and YCI. Together we have created great work. Whether our conversations and work together happened in board-rooms, on planes, in the jungle, on a beach, or by phone, thank you for sharing your wisdom and the journey with me, while enabling me to continually learn and grow.

Jennifer J. Britton Toronto, September 2009

Introduction

Over the last few years, economic realities and client requests have propelled group coaching to become one of the most quickly evolving areas of the coaching profession. Moving out of its early adopter days, group coaching is starting to become recognized as a subdiscipline of coaching by coaches and clients, organizations, and individuals alike.

For years, there has been little written about the experience and foundation of group coaching. This book serves to finally put into the hands of coaches and group practitioners core information about what group coaching is, core skills, and best practices, as well as practical how-tos for designing, marketing, and launching your own group coaching programs.

This book provides a foundation and practical perspective on group coaching—what it is and how it differs from one-on-one coaching and training, ready-to-use tips and resources for coaches/practitioners in the development, implementation, and marketing of their own group coaching programs. Highlighted in this book are case studies from coaches who are undertaking this work with widely diverse groups around diverse topics.

Effective Group Coaching takes a practical, resource-rich look at group coaching—one of the fastest-growing parts of the coaching profession. Organizations, community groups, and individuals are discovering that group coaching is an exciting and sustainable model and process for learning and growth.

Written for coaches (both internal and external), HR professionals, trainers, and facilitators wanting to expand their work into this area, this book provides tested tips and tools. New and seasoned coaches will find Effective Group Coaching a practical road map and go-to guide when designing, implementing, and marketing their own group coaching programs.

Groups have been my passion since the late 1980s when I first started as an outdoor experiential educator and leader. My work with groups blossomed over the years to include work in the realms of facilitation, training, and performance improvement. As a global manager and director working in the international development sector, it was usually up to me to develop my teams and groups. Since 1988, I have run group programs in over sixteen countries and touched others virtually in many more.

I entered into the coaching profession as a professional coach in 2003, surprised to find that a coaching approach with groups was not widely pervasive. In fact, as I moved through my coaching certification in 2005, I could not even count my group coaching hours towards certification. In wanting to follow my passion—groups—and also to leverage my own skills and expertise in the areas of small group process and facilitation, I have been one of the pioneers in taking this work forward. Since 2004, having supported hundreds of coaches who were eager to launch their own group coaching work through the Group Coaching Essentials™ program, group coaching is now becoming mainstream.

As more and more coaches are adding their voices to what group coaching is and how it impacts the world, I have invited a number of coaches to add their voice throughout this book. I am pleased to be joined by other thought leaders and pioneers in the realm of group coaching, such as Ginger Cockerham, MCC; Suzee Eibling, PCC; Mary Allen, MCC; and Eva Gregory, MCC, as well as several other stellar practitioners who are breaking ground across a number of industries and issues: Deena Kolbert, CPCC, ORSCC; Maureen Clarke, CPCC; Lynda Monk, CPCC; Jill MacFadyen, ACC; Victoria FittsMilgrim, CPCC; Ann Deaton, PhD, PCC; Marlo Nikkila; and Rita Weiss.

As you read through this book you will notice that I often use a number of terms interchangeably, including participant and client, as well as coach and facilitator. It will no doubt become obvious to you that group coaching has strong roots in the realm of training and facilitation, as well as small group process.

I encourage you to engage fully with this book—mark it up, undertake the exercises, and create some accountability for yourself as you read through it.

OUR ROAD MAP

Throughout the book are various “In the Spotlight” and “Voices from the Field” sections, which spotlight real-life group coaching experiences and the voices of coaches undertaking this work. These will highlight practical strategies around what works and what you need as a coach to make successful group coaching programs happen. Group coaching programs range from in person work to virtual phone-based programs, programs for the public, to programs run for small business owners, community groups, and managers.

The early chapters of the book set the context for group coaching. Chapter 1 will provide you with foundational information, such as What is group coaching? How is it defined? How does it differ from one-on-one coaching, therapy, workshops, facilitation? How is it the same? This chapter also includes a discussion on the Continuum of Group Process to illustrate the similarities and differences between different disciplines.

Coaching does not take place in a vacuum, and increasingly individual and corporate clients and sponsors are asking “Why is this work important? What impact does it really have?” Chapter 2 looks at the “Business, and Learning Case, for Group Coaching.”

Core principles of adult education, learning styles, experiential education, and group process form the foundation for work within the group coaching realm. Chapter 3 looks at “The Foundations of Group Coaching: The Essentials of Adult Learning.” This chapter will provide new insights, or a refresher, on these core topics.

Coaches, and other practitioners, are eager to not have to reinvent the wheel. Chapter 4 looks at “Core Skills and Best Practices for Group Coaching.” Throughout this chapter we will also hear from coaches across the industry with some of their best practices for group coaching.

The next set of chapters provides you with practical exercises, tools, and templates to help you design, market, and implement your own group coaching program.

Many coaches have great ideas for their programs but don’t know how to move from vision to actual program. Chapter 5 looks at “Designing Your Own Program,” and inclues several core tools for design work, including the Group Coaching Design MatrixTM.

With group coaching work taking place in person, by phone, and by web, Chapter 6 explores “Powerful Delivery Options” including virtual delivery in both phone-based and web-based environments. This chapter includes a short self-assessment for you to check your readiness for virtual work.

Chapter 7 covers “Essential Elements for Your Own Group Coaching Program” including core items you will want to add to your toolkit, questions for group coaching and other resources. The chapter also includes lessons learned from group coaches in the field.

Chapter 8 covers the essential topic of “Marketing Your Group Coaching Program.” Without clients on the phone or in front of you, the most important ingredient for group coaching is missing. This chapter covers seven core areas of marketing including foundational marketing principles, claiming your niche, developing a powerful marketing message and creating a marketing strategy and plan. Specific considerations for marketing corporate group coaching is also included in this chapter.

Chapter 9 covers “Preparing for the Program—Systems and Logistics.” This chapter covers core business and program systems that will streamline your work, facilitating the entire program cycle—from design to marketing, registration, implementation, and evaluation. The chapter also covers core logistical tips and includes a group coaching checklist.

Coaches are often eager to learn from the past and avoid possible pitfalls in group coaching work. Chapter 10 covers “Implementation Tips and Pitfalls” to avoid in your group coaching work. Challenges faced by group coaches and suggestions from the field are also included.

This book would not be complete without the inclusion of group coaching exercises. The appendix includes a mini-toolbox of exercises for coaches and other practitioners to adapt for their own group coaching work.

For those interested in undertaking this work with a partner, or co-facilitator, you can download a bonus chapter on Co-Facilitation by visiting http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com.

This book is a starting point for a very diverse field. Add your voice to the diverse tapestry of group coaches around the world—visit the Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog at http://groupcoaching.blogspot.com.

CHAPTER 1

WHAT IS GROUP COACHING?

A leader is bestWhen people barely know he exists,Not so good when people obey and acclaim himWorse when they despise him,But of a good leader, who talks littleWhen his work is done, his aim fulfilledThey will all say “We did it ourselves”

— Lao Tse

THE CONTEXT

The time is now! The coaching industry generates approximately $1.5 billion (all dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted) annually1 with group coaching quickly gaining ground. The economic events that began in 2008 continue to make group coaching a pronounced growth area for clients.

Group coaching is still a young profession as can be seen in the ICF Global Coaching Survey2 estimated that there are approximately 30,000 active coaches. A majority of coaches has been operating for fewer than ten years.

When asked about their coaching specialties, 58.1 percent indicated that their specialty involved leadership, 57.8 percent indicated executive coaching, and 53.6 percent indicated business or organizational issues.

In 2007, $139.39 billion was spent by U.S. organizations on employee learning and development. Two-thirds or $83.62 billion was spent on the internal learning function, including staff salaries, and internal development costs. One-third, or $50.77 billion, was spent on workshops, vendors, and external events.3

Throughout this chapter we will explore:

1. Is group coaching for you?

2. The diversity of group coaching—models for group coaching

3. What group coaching can look like—virtual/in person and corporate/public