Welcome back to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Holidays, where we unwrap valuable insights to enhance your coaching expertise in the areas of group and team coaching. As we step into 20 years of our business in 2024 here at Potentials Realized, I am appreciative of the thousands of amazing coaches who are our alumni. When I started offering Group Coaching Essentials in 2006 even coaches would raise their eyebrows around the idea of being able to scale the conversation to groups. Today it’s mainstream.
One area we still receive a lot of questions around is “What’s the Difference between Group and Team Coaching”? Today's topic explores the nuanced difference between two coaching realms—Team Coaching and Group Coaching. As many coaches find themselves traversing both terrains, understanding these distinctions is pivotal for effective coaching – contracting, design, client relationships and outcomes. This post starts to dive into the intricacies and shed light on what sets team coaching apart from group coaching, which we explore much more in depth in Group Coaching Essentials and Team Coaching Essentials programs .
Deciphering the Scenarios:
For coaches, encountering scenarios where the terms "team" and "group" are used interchangeably can be common. Picture this: You're brought in to coach a gathering at an organization, only to discover it's more of a team than a group, or vice versa. To clarify, let's consider a few examples.
- **Example 1:**
- A coach is tasked with guiding a handful of new leaders at an organization. Despite hailing from various business segments and lacking direct reporting structures, they come together for the first time. Is this a team or a group?
- **Example 2:**
- Another coach is engaged to work with a collection of professionals assembled to execute a specific project over the next two months. Their mission: design and implement a new process. Is this a team or a group?
The distinction lies in the depth of relationships, shared history, and common purpose existing within the "grouping" being coached.
Team vs. Group Dynamics:
In team coaching, coaches step into a web of established relationships, shared history, and a common purpose. Teams, whether remote or in-person, exist with a shared mission and vision and are striving for collective results. The focus in team coaching centers around fostering alignment, emphasizing the interconnectivity of team members, and supporting collective goals. Scenario 2 is an example of this.
On the flip side, group coaching involves individuals who may not share significant connections or similarities in their work. However, members can still derive immense value by exploring shared interests and connecting around common topics. Group coaching allows individuals to benefit from collective exploration, even if their professional focuses differ. Scenario 1 is an example of this.
## Exploring Team Excellence:
To elevate team coaching, exploring elements that contribute to team excellence is crucial. From clear roles and goals to shared visions and regular practices like team meetings, these factors enhance team effectiveness. The intricate dynamics of remote and virtual teams are further explored in the Remote Pathways Podcast, offering insights into the varied dimensions of remote work.
## Leaving Room for Exploration:
Coaches can play a pivotal role in team development by leaving space for exploration. By considering factors such as clear roles, shared goals, and defined success metrics, coaches can guide teams towards excellence. This exploration becomes particularly pronounced in virtual spaces, as discussed in the Remote Pathways Podcast.
## Diving Deeper:
For a comprehensive exploration of the differences between group and team coaching, delve into the articles written by me, Jennifer Britton, for Choice Magazine. "Group and Team Coaching - The Landscape of Many" and you can also find this earlier article from Choice on Group and Team Coaching as well (V13N1). Both articles offer detailed insights.
Continued Learning Opportunities:
For those seeking in-depth knowledge, we offers ten different courses in the Group and Team Coaching Certification pathways. You can join us for one course, a 70 hour certificate (6 courses) or 125 hours towards your Group or Team Coaching Certificate. The core courses through the Team Coaching Essentials training, Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCes) and the Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs), as well as 70 and 125 hour pathways (Certificate in Team Coaching - GroupCoachingEssentials). These virtual learning groups provide an immersive experience for coaches eager to expand their skills in coaching teams and groups.
## Conclusion:
As you navigate the intricate landscape of team and group coaching, consider the nuances and distinctive elements that make each approach valuable. Whether you're fostering alignment within a team or exploring shared interests in a group, the coaching journey is enriched by understanding and embracing these differences.
Stay tuned for more insights in the 12 Days of Holidays series!
Warm regards,
Jennifer
One area we still receive a lot of questions around is “What’s the Difference between Group and Team Coaching”? Today's topic explores the nuanced difference between two coaching realms—Team Coaching and Group Coaching. As many coaches find themselves traversing both terrains, understanding these distinctions is pivotal for effective coaching – contracting, design, client relationships and outcomes. This post starts to dive into the intricacies and shed light on what sets team coaching apart from group coaching, which we explore much more in depth in Group Coaching Essentials and Team Coaching Essentials programs .
Deciphering the Scenarios:
For coaches, encountering scenarios where the terms "team" and "group" are used interchangeably can be common. Picture this: You're brought in to coach a gathering at an organization, only to discover it's more of a team than a group, or vice versa. To clarify, let's consider a few examples.
- **Example 1:**
- A coach is tasked with guiding a handful of new leaders at an organization. Despite hailing from various business segments and lacking direct reporting structures, they come together for the first time. Is this a team or a group?
- **Example 2:**
- Another coach is engaged to work with a collection of professionals assembled to execute a specific project over the next two months. Their mission: design and implement a new process. Is this a team or a group?
The distinction lies in the depth of relationships, shared history, and common purpose existing within the "grouping" being coached.
Team vs. Group Dynamics:
In team coaching, coaches step into a web of established relationships, shared history, and a common purpose. Teams, whether remote or in-person, exist with a shared mission and vision and are striving for collective results. The focus in team coaching centers around fostering alignment, emphasizing the interconnectivity of team members, and supporting collective goals. Scenario 2 is an example of this.
On the flip side, group coaching involves individuals who may not share significant connections or similarities in their work. However, members can still derive immense value by exploring shared interests and connecting around common topics. Group coaching allows individuals to benefit from collective exploration, even if their professional focuses differ. Scenario 1 is an example of this.
## Exploring Team Excellence:
To elevate team coaching, exploring elements that contribute to team excellence is crucial. From clear roles and goals to shared visions and regular practices like team meetings, these factors enhance team effectiveness. The intricate dynamics of remote and virtual teams are further explored in the Remote Pathways Podcast, offering insights into the varied dimensions of remote work.
## Leaving Room for Exploration:
Coaches can play a pivotal role in team development by leaving space for exploration. By considering factors such as clear roles, shared goals, and defined success metrics, coaches can guide teams towards excellence. This exploration becomes particularly pronounced in virtual spaces, as discussed in the Remote Pathways Podcast.
## Diving Deeper:
For a comprehensive exploration of the differences between group and team coaching, delve into the articles written by me, Jennifer Britton, for Choice Magazine. "Group and Team Coaching - The Landscape of Many" and you can also find this earlier article from Choice on Group and Team Coaching as well (V13N1). Both articles offer detailed insights.
Continued Learning Opportunities:
For those seeking in-depth knowledge, we offers ten different courses in the Group and Team Coaching Certification pathways. You can join us for one course, a 70 hour certificate (6 courses) or 125 hours towards your Group or Team Coaching Certificate. The core courses through the Team Coaching Essentials training, Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCes) and the Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs), as well as 70 and 125 hour pathways (Certificate in Team Coaching - GroupCoachingEssentials). These virtual learning groups provide an immersive experience for coaches eager to expand their skills in coaching teams and groups.
## Conclusion:
As you navigate the intricate landscape of team and group coaching, consider the nuances and distinctive elements that make each approach valuable. Whether you're fostering alignment within a team or exploring shared interests in a group, the coaching journey is enriched by understanding and embracing these differences.
Stay tuned for more insights in the 12 Days of Holidays series!
Warm regards,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton - CEO and Founder, Potentials Realized
Creator of the Group Coaching Essentials and our 70 and 125 hour pathway programs for the ACTC or our internal Group Coaching Certification
Set up a 15 minute call to discuss your needs with Jennifer
(416)996-8326
Note our office will be closed from December 23 - Jan 7th for the holidays
Register early for 2024 Training for Group and Team Coaches:
Creator of the Group Coaching Essentials and our 70 and 125 hour pathway programs for the ACTC or our internal Group Coaching Certification
Set up a 15 minute call to discuss your needs with Jennifer
(416)996-8326
Note our office will be closed from December 23 - Jan 7th for the holidays
Register early for 2024 Training for Group and Team Coaches:
- Group Coaching Essentials (8.75 CCEs) starts January 12 - with Evana
- Team Coaching Essentials (14 CCEs) starts January 8
- Mentor Coaching Group for ACC/PCC starts Jan 8th (Mondays at 11 am ET) or Jan 12 (at 9 am ET) - with Jennifer
- Coaching Supervision - starts Jan 11th - with Jennifer and Kathy Activate Your Team and Group Coaching Superpower (Quiz and Course) - 14 CCEs - With Jennifer
RSS Feed