One of the regular series I've been evolving as part of the Coaching Shorts series is the "Card of the Week" or "Dice of the Week" series I share usually at the start of the week.

Given that it's a holiday week, I thought I would roll the dice today to see what came up -- you can check out today's Coaching Shorts Video below to see the five, each of which has relevance for me this week during my last few days in the Caribbean before heading back to Canada-home.

You will find the video here: https://youtube.comyoutube.com/shorts/VR_M5z50AvI?feature=share/shorts/VR_M5z50AvI?feature=share

Or click on the image to play!

The icons are taken from the 90 Day Guide for Success, a guide for onboarding or reboarding in the evolving workspace It's become a popular go-to guide for coaches and leaders who want to equip their teams. You'll find the book over at Amazon.

This week's icons are very a propos for me and I hope they are for you too. They include:
*Intercultural Mindset (Day 73 of the 90 Day Guide for Success) - the globe
* Renewal and Well Being (Day 81 of the 90 Day Guide for Success) - the tap
* When are you at your best/Circadian Rhythm (Day 63 of the 90 Day Guide for Success) - The clock
* TRACK (Day 87) - the frame
* Memorability (Day 71) - the tie on finger

How do these relate to your world this week?

Interested in the Reconnecting Workspaces Dice? They will soon be available for pre-order. Email me for now with Interested in Pre-order and we'll keep you posted - [email protected].

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Since we opened our doors in 2004 we have been providing supports for entrepreneurs including coaches in growing their businesses. In the early years of the business, Potentials Realized founder, Jennifer Britton taught and lectured at the post-secondary level business and entrepreneurial skills. 

With current economic pressures it’s surprizing that some of the more traditional career paths are being disrupted, and entrepreneurial endeavors are being seen as a secure option.

One of the starting points business owners will want to consider at all stages of their business are:

• People – Your Team – Who is there to support you in doing the work so you can focus on working ON the Business -  from Vas (Virtual Assistants) to 
• Your client – Who can advocate for the resulst t hey have received from your work together
• Your Products – what are the products or services you offer? How might these shift with the current economy?

In disrupted times, having a support network and a time on your schedule so that you can focus on your business, your goals and vision is just as important as working IN your business. 

Core areas to look at for 2024:
AI – what can you do to leverage the power of AI? From support in research to helping with copy, or graphics, AI can be a valuable resource in your work
Systems – systems provide consistency in a disrupted environment
Marketing – Continuing to get the word about what you offer and how is key

What do you see as important focus areas for yourself around marketing in 2024?
We’ll be taking a deep dive into it during the December 18th 2024 Coaching Business Booster. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and take a dive into planning, marketing and design?
Enjoy!

And where are w going with Group and Team Coaching – Check out the 20th annual holiday party

On December 12th we celebrated our 20th annual year-end holiday party, exploring some of the recent best practices with group coahing and also exploring where group and team coaching may be going next. 
​
Take a look at the 3 hours of the party here.
Our agenda was the following if you want to zoom into specific areas.

• 12 noon– Welcome and OVERVIEW from Jennifer
• 1210 – State of Union – and sharing of new choice article
• 1230 – Group Coaching Doorway - VALUES EVANA 
• 1pm- Resourcing You – STRENGTHS – Supervision and ACTIVATE Your Superpowers (Rita and Jenn)
• 125 pm ET – Team Coaching Doorway
• 2 pm  - Coaching In Action – Eenrgizer
• 2:15 Coaching Toolbox – What do you have around Learning, Experiential Approaches and Neuroscience?
• 2:30 pm ET – Coaching Business Booster/PDT
• 245 pm ET – DRAW for Barbados Coaching Business Booster – December 18th
• 250 – Shares and Takeaways
• 3pm ET – Wrap up

What’s your favorite part of the party? What topics do you think are important to focus on?

Embarking on the journey of building a coaching business may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes remarkably achievable. In the Coaching BizGrowth Lab, we emphasize a day-by-day strategy, breaking down the process into manageable steps that make building your coaching business not only effective but surprisingly easy. Let's delve into the empowering reasons why adopting a one-day-at-a-time mindset is the key to success in the coaching world.

Day 1: Establishing Your Presence:
Start your coaching business journey by focusing on establishing your online presence. This involves creating a professional website, setting up social media profiles, and ensuring that potential clients can easily find you. By concentrating on this foundational step, you lay the groundwork for future success and begin building your brand from day one.

Day 2: Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition:
In the Coaching BizGrowth Lab, we recognize the importance of clearly articulating your unique value proposition. Spend a day honing in on what sets your coaching services apart. By pinpointing your strengths and differentiators, you not only attract the right audience but also gain clarity on the specific impact you want to make in the coaching landscape.

Day 3: Launching Your Social Media Presence:
Take a focused approach to social media on day three. Create engaging content that reflects your coaching philosophy and resonates with your target audience. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to share bite-sized coaching insights. By consistently showing up on social media, you begin to establish your authority and attract a community interested in your coaching offerings.
​
Day 4: Clarifying Your Ideal Client:
Spend a day identifying and clarifying your ideal client. In the Coaching BizGrowth Lab, we understand the power of narrowing your focus to those individuals or teams who resonate most with your coaching style. 

Creating a high-impact group program involves careful consideration of key components that contribute to a successful learning environment. In this discussion, we'll delve into five essential elements that are integral to the effectiveness of any group program, whether it's a workshop, retreat, or group coaching initiative.

## 1. Group Ground Rules/Ways of Working:
At the outset of any group program, setting clear ground rules or establishing ways of working is paramount. This facilitates a collaborative discussion among participants on how they want to interact and engage with each other throughout the program. Key components to include in these guidelines are:
- Starting and ending on time
- Respecting others' opinions and experiences
- Maintaining confidentiality (especially crucial for group coaching programs)
- Encouraging full participation in the process

## 2. Engaging Exercises:
The inclusion of engaging exercises is a hallmark of a great group program. These exercises elevate the program from good to exceptional, fostering active participation and enhancing the learning experience. To infuse new life into your programs, consider exploring web-based resources, investing in materials from reputable publishers, or incorporating exercises from specialized manuals.

## 3. Materials for Participants:
Providing written materials, such as handouts or manuals, is a cornerstone of effective group programs. Recognizing that a significant percentage of adults are visual learners, these materials serve as crucial takeaways. This aspect is particularly pertinent for phone-based programs, where written materials, combined with short exercises, help keep participants engaged.

## 4. Exercises Between Sessions:
To maximize the impact of a group program, consider the work assigned between sessions as a critical component. In coaching, it's acknowledged that real progress occurs between sessions as participants apply and explore what has been discussed. Designing exercises to deepen learning, expand awareness, and support action and change is essential for the continuous development of participants.

## 5. Evaluation:
Gathering feedback in real-time and post-sessions is indispensable for program improvement and enhancing participant experiences. Evaluations provide valuable insights into what worked well and areas that may require adjustment. Creating a culture of ongoing feedback ensures the continuous refinement and evolution of your group programs.

## Conclusion:
As you embark on crafting your next group program, consider these five essential components as building blocks for success. Ground your program in clear guidelines, infuse it with engaging exercises, provide tangible materials, design meaningful exercises between sessions, and prioritize ongoing evaluation. By incorporating these elements, you pave the way for a transformative and impactful group learning experience.

Question: What concrete steps will you take to integrate these 5 essential components into your upcoming program?

 On Day 9 of the 12 Days of Holidays, we delve into the world of group coaching with Jennifer, a thought leader who has been shaping the landscape of group coaching since 2004. Group coaching is a thriving field, and Jennifer sheds light on its myriad benefits for organizations, individuals, and coaches alike. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore examples of group coaching and its transformative impact across diverse arenas.

## Jennifer's Pioneering Journey in Group Coaching:
Jennifer's extensive experience in group coaching dates back to the late 1980s, establishing her as a trailblazer in this evolving field. Group coaching, a growing phenomenon, often goes unnoticed by those who have been practicing it organically. Jennifer outlines examples and benefits that highlight the profound impact of group coaching for clients, organizations, and coaches.

## Examples of Group Coaching in the Public Arena explored in Effective Group Coaching where Jennifer illustrates real-world scenarios where group coaching thrives:
- **Business Coaching:** A three-month program focusing on business visioning, goal setting, and accountability.
- **Retreat Process:** A multi-week retreat tackling work-life balance issues, grounded in group coaching competencies.
- **Career Transition:** A month-long, in-person group coaching process aiding individuals in career transition.

## Examples of Group Coaching in Organizations:
There are many different ways we can position the transformative power of group coaching within organizational contexts. Some mentioned in Effective Group Coaching are:
- **Women Returning to Work:** Group coaching enhances internal networks and strengthens communication post-maternity leave.
- **Building Internal Coaching Culture:** A global organization fosters coaching skills in key personnel, supporting ongoing learning through group coaching calls.
- **National Insurance Organization:** Equipping the national training team with group coaching skills enhances support for learners and new recruits.

## Group Coaching Benefits for Clients:
Explore the benefits clients derive from group coaching which include:
- **Peer Learning Process:** A collaborative environment where clients learn from peers and collective wisdom.
- **Lower Cost:** The cost-effectiveness of group coaching makes it an attractive option for clients.

## Group Coaching Benefits for Organizations:
Organizations reap the rewards of group coaching several ways including:
- **Scalability:** A key benefit supporting the involvement of professionals at various organizational levels.
- **Cross-functional Fertilization:** Breaking down silos, group coaching fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives.
- **Making it Stick:** Group coaching becomes a follow-on to support learning initiatives, ensuring knowledge transfer.
- **Lower Cost:** The economical price per person is an advantage for organizations seeking group coaching programs.

## Group Coaching Benefits for Coaches:
In Effective Group Coaching Jennifer shares  the advantages group coaching brings to coaches:
- **Leveraging Time:** Offering coaching services at a lower price point while working with more clients.
- **Scalability:** The ability to undertake additional activities within their business through the leverage created by group coaching.
- Harnessing the power of the peer process

## In Conclusion:
As we wrap up Day 9, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding the benefits of group coaching from the perspective of those being coached. The transformative power of group coaching extends far beyond individuals; it permeates organizations and elevates the coaching profession as a whole.

Stay tuned for more insightful days ahead in the 12 Days of Holidays series!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Welcome to Day 8 of the 12 Days of Holidays, where we explore  the profound impact of group coaching in the coaching realm. While group coaching’s benefits are well known, the benefits of this modality in the current moment of 2023/2024 is paramount. 
From the endemic of loneliness facing so many (see the latest article on how Toronto is one of North America’s loneliest cities) , to economic pressures, to the need to explore more multi-disciplinary approaches for complex problems, there are many benefits for group coaching.

Some of the more common benefits we see in 2023/2024 with group coaching are:

• A yearning for connection and belonging on the part of our clients is bringing many to the collaborative conversation zone of coaching.
• Lower cost for accessing coaching due to economic issues
• Organizations seeing the relationship value of bringing people together around common issues
• The complexity of challenges facing us

Today's “gift item”  is an enlightening article penned by Jennifer for CoachingTools, exploring the diverse benefits that stem from the group coaching process. Delve into the insights that have emerged from questions posed by coaches, prospective clients, and organizations, shedding light on the unparalleled advantages of adopting a group coaching approach.

## Exploring the Article: "Benefits of Group Coaching":
Jennifer's article, "Benefits of Group Coaching," serves as a comprehensive guide for coaches seeking to understand the transformative power of coaching within a group setting. Discover how group coaching expands your reach, offers various services at different price points, and leverages your time and impact as a coach. 

## A Glimpse into Effective Group Coaching:
Reflecting on her first book, "Effective Group Coaching," Jennifer emphasizes the inherent benefits that coaches reap from group coaching. These included: Uncover the ability to work with a larger clientele, cater to diverse needs, and appreciate the efficiency of leveraging time and impact.

## Client Testimonials and Peer Learning Power:
Dive into the client's perspective as they express the profound impact of peer learning and the unique pace that group coaching provides. Clients often find comfort in the extended reflection time and the opportunity to learn from the insights of their peers. Explore how the lower cost of group coaching becomes an attractive proposition for participants.

## Benefits for Organizations:
Jennifer sheds light on the benefits of group coaching for organizations, emphasizing the crucial cross-functional fertilization that occurs among group members in today's collaborative workspaces. Discover how the scalability of group coaching makes it an ideal solution for organizations, enabling more individuals to benefit at a lower cost per capita. The intangible yet significant relationships formed within and across organizations serve as a testament to the enduring impact of group coaching.

## Further Reading and Resources:
For those eager to delve deeper into the benefits of group coaching, Jennifer provides additional resources:
- Read the recent article on Coaching Tools
- Explore Chapter 2 in "Effective Group Coaching" (Wiley, 2010).
- Refer to the chapters on Group Coaching and Team Coaching in Jennifer's book, "From One to Many, Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching," released by Jossey-Bass.

## Conclusion:
As you navigate the holiday season, take a moment to explore the transformative benefits of group coaching. Whether you're a coach seeking efficiency and impact or a participant relishing the power of peer learning, group coaching unfolds as a powerful and dynamic approach to personal and professional growth.

Wishing you a week filled with exploration and discovery!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

I’m super excited to be leading a one-day planning day on December 18th for coaches wanting to grow their business at the 2024 Coaching Business Booster. 
 
Planning is critical for business success and the old project management adage asserts that for “Every 10 minutes of planning, we save up to 60 minute of unfocused effort”. 

At this time of year you might be considering the next step after your VISION which is your more detailed plan. 

Your overall business plan for 2024
Programming plans – how often will you be offering your different programs? How many times? In what formats? To what groups or teams?

Marketing Plans – What are the marketing channels you want to be putting attention around in 2024? Which ones will you double down in? We’ll be working through some content planning in the Coaching Business Builder retreat, and be sure to use the Content Planning Pages in Coaching Business Builder.

Team Plans – who do you want to bring on board whether it’s a VA, a contractor or a full-time team member?

Client and Relationships Plans – Businesses don’t just grow in isolation. They grow when people have a great experience with you. What are you doing to outreach to others?

While this may sound like a lot, most of these are components which can be broken down into shorter working sessions. We’ll be building out our vision and strategic plan, as part of the Coaching Business Booster program on December 18th, as well as key marketing and content plans. We’ll also be looking at key relationships for you to develop or expand upon next year.
​
I hope that you will join me for this one-day working session, which will also include a design sprint to start fleshing out one of your programs, a call in January to keep the momentum going, PLUS discounts to join us in the 2024 Coaching Biz Growth Lab, an annual program I host for coaches who are serious about building their business week to week for the entire year. Learn more about the CGBL here, and reserve your spot in the one day Coaching Business Booster program.

See you soon!
Jennifer

​Greetings on Day 6 of the 12 Days of Holidays, a journey through 12 days of year-end focus for coaches.
Today's spotlight is around a pivotal goal for many coaches as they step into the new year - gaining, or renewing, their ICF Certification. Coaches have several options these days - pursuing the foundational path of ACC, PCC or MCC. Earlier this year coaches can now add on the first of specializations - the Advanced Credential in Team Coaching (ACTC). The specialization sits "on top" of your foundational ICF credential. While mentor coaching is required for the ACC, PCC, MCC pathways (and we offer mentor coaching for the first two levels), coaching supervision is required for the ACTC (check out our coaching supervision pathways).

Today's focus which we explore is the world of mentor coaching, a transformative process that has been at the heart of supporting coaches towards their ACC and PCC certifications since 2007.

##Nurturing Certification Goals:

As the new year unfolds, many coaches set their sights on gaining ICF Certification, and mentor coaching becomes a guiding light on this certification journey. I've been privileged since 2007 to support coaches seeking their ACC and PCC certifications, both individual mentor coaching and the immensely popular mentor coaching groups.

##The Essence of Mentor Coaching:

Mentor coaching for ACC renewals and ACC/PCC portfolio routes revolves around the eight core coaching competencies. This process is a profound opportunity to scrutinize and refine coaching skills, be it in individual, team, or group coaching contexts. Mentor coaching unfolds over a minimum of three months, fostering growth through 1-1 sessions or in a small group setting. Jennifer limits her mentor coaching groups to a maximum of 6 coaches, ensuring an intimate and impactful experience.

## Preparing for Renewal or New Applications:

For coaches gearing up for renewal or a new application, a visit to the ICF's credentialing website is essential. Past posts authored by Jennifer provide valuable insights into the mentor coaching process, addressing key considerations and factors to look for.

- [Mentor Coaching: Three Things to Consider] (#)
- [Mentor Coaching: Four Things to Look For] (#)

## Mentor Coaching Resources:
Jennifer has also contributed an article to Choice Magazine tailored for coaches interested in mentoring others. The article, titled "Mentor Coaching: Developing Your Muscles and Refining Your Craft" (Volumes 10, No 3), can be downloaded.

## Join the Mentor Coaching Group Journey:

Embark on the transformative journey of mentor coaching by joining Jennifer's upcoming mentor coaching group starting on Thursday, February 20th, at 9AM ET. Group calls will be held on Thursdays, covering key aspects such as self- assessements, identification of strengths and blind spots, and actionable steps to refine coaching competencies.

The program includes:
- A deep dive into the 8 Core Coaching Competencies (ICF)
- Self Assessements for each competency so coaches can track their own development
- Identification of strengths and blind spots
- Action steps to refine coaching competencies
- Opportunities for practice and feedback
- 7 hours of groups mentor coaching
- 3 hours of individual mentor coaching with Jennifer

Learn more about the Mentor Coaching Group program and register.

## Individual Mentor Coaching Packages:
For those preferring 1-1 mentor coaching approach, explore Jennifer's 10-hour package tailored for individual work, covering ACC, PCC and CPCC certifications. Find more details and register (here)

## Conclusion:
As you navigate your certification journey, consider the transformative power of mentor coaching. Whether you choose the group experience or individual sessions, Potentials Realized's mentor coaching programs are crafted to elevate your coaching skills and propel you towards ICF Certification.

Wishing you a week filled with growth and accomplishment!

Warm regards,

Jennifer

Day 5  - 2024 Planning for Your Coaching Business
We're back for the 5th day of this year's 12 Days of Holidays. I hope that you are enjoying them. Be sure to check out the series!

Great businesses "don't just happen", they grow one step at a time. The tagline for Coaching Business Builder, my workbook planner dedicated to coaching business development, is "Daily Steps + Consistent Action = Momentum". It's so important that we spend time on a regular basis focusing ON our business - our vision, our plans, and also our execution --- in GETTING THINGS DONE!

I’m super excited to be leading a one-day planning day on December 18th for coaches wanting to grow their business at the 2024 Coaching Business Booster. We’re going to be doing some really fun things in an intensive way next week Monday to move your business planning forward.

Planning is critical for business success and the old project management adage asserts that for “Every 10 minutes of planning, we save up to 60 minute of unfocused effort”.

At this time of year you might be considering the next step after your VISION which is your more detailed plan. This might include

• Your overall business plan for 2024
• Programming plans – how often will you be offering your different programs? How many times? In what formats? To what groups or teams?
• Marketing Plans – What are the marketing channels you want to be putting attention around in 2024? Which ones will you double down in? We’ll be working through some content planning in the Coaching Business Builder retreat, and be sure to use the Content Planning Pages in Coaching Business Builder (insert AMAZON Link).
• Team Plans – who do you want to bring on board whether it’s a VA, a contractor or a full-time team member?
• Client and Relationships Plans – Businesses don’t just grow in isolation. They grow when people have a great experience with you. What are you doing to outreach to others?

While this may sound like a lot, most of these are components which can be broken down into shorter working sessions. We’ll be building out our vision and strategic plan, as part of the Coaching Business Booster program on December 18th, as well as key marketing and content plans. We’ll also be looking at key relationships for you to develop or expand upon next year.

I hope that you will join me for this one-day working session, which will also include a design sprint to start fleshing out one of your programs, a call in January to keep the momentum going, PLUS discounts to join us in the 2024 Coaching Biz Growth Lab, an annual program I host for coaches who are serious about building their business week to week for the entire year. Learn more about the CGBL here, and reserve your spot in the one day Coaching Business Booster program.
 
Don't forget to join our 20th Anniversary Year End Holiday Party this TUESDAY December 12th from 12 - 3 pm ET on zoom. We'll be taking a dive into several different doorways around group and team coaching, supporting YOU to do your best work as a group or team coach.

Enjoy,
Jennifer

​

Title: "12 Days of Holidays: Day 4 - Exploring the Vast Landscape of Innovation in Coaching Groups and Teams"
 
Introduction:
Welcome back to Day 4 of the 12 Days of Holidays, where we dive into the dynamic world of coaching groups and teams. Today's focus is on the expansive realm of innovation, a multifaceted concept. As the Oxford Dictionary succinctly puts it, innovation is "a new method, idea, product, etc.," but in the coaching context, it extends to responding to change and approaching challenges with a fresh perspective.
 
## Navigating the Broad Landscape of Coaching for Innovation:
Innovation within the context of coaching groups and teams is akin to navigating a broad landscape with diverse layers of exploration. From creating novel products and services to adapting business models—such as the shift from in-person to virtual programming—coaching for innovation encompasses a spectrum of possibilities.
 
## Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard in the Virtual Space:
In the virtual realm, ensuring every voice is heard is paramount. Techniques such as annotation, breakouts, and polls become powerful tools to represent each participant's voice. If you haven't already, take a moment to watch the Effective Virtual Conversations call hosted by Jennifer, where these techniques are explored in detail.
 
## The Creative Process of Innovation:
Innovation is often perceived as a creative process, demanding professionals to think outside the box. Group members engaged in innovation may find themselves spending time in different ways and locations, fostering a conducive environment for creative thinking.
 
## Expanding Your Coaching Toolkit for Innovation:
Coaches looking to enhance their toolkit for coaching innovation can explore valuable resources. One such recommendation is the book "Coaching for Innovation: Tools and Techniques for Encouraging New Ideas in the Workplace" by Cristina Bianchi and Maureen Steele. Dive deeper into their insights by visiting their website: [Coaching for Innovation](https://www.coachingforinnovation.com).
 
## Unleashing the Power of Visual Cards:
For those who leverage visual cards in coaching sessions, I included an exercise  in the ebook "40 Ways to Work with Visual Cards." Exercise #12 focuses on innovation and involves participants selecting a card that represents a new perspective. The exercise encourages reflection on how the image invokes thoughts on innovation, opening avenues for creative insights.
 
## Coaching for Innovation: Thought-Provoking Questions:
Enhance your coaching conversations around innovation with thought-provoking questions:
1. What's another way of looking at that?
2. What's important about making a change?
3. What does innovation mean for us?
4. Who do we need to collaborate with for innovation?
5. What mindsets do we need to shift for more effective innovation?
6. What will help us be successful?
 
## Concluding Thoughts:
As you continue your conversations, consider the vast landscape of coaching for innovation. Whether it's encouraging creativity, exploring new perspectives with visual cards, or asking thought-provoking questions, each approach adds depth to your coaching practice. Stay tuned for more insights in the 12 Days of Holidays series!
 
Warm regards,
Jennifer