Welcome back to Day 4 of the 2024 12 Days of Holidays series. So far we've explored:

Day 1- 12 Year End Questions - Read them here
Day 2- Creating Your Vision - Read and view it here
Day 3 -  21st annual group and team programs call - Read it here

Today's Blog post gets you thinking about your INTENTIONS for the new year. What do you want to bring in, and take a stand around, in the upcoming year?

Intentionality is an important part of the landscape of work and life in an ever-changing landscape. Earlier today we had a great presentation on Intentions by one of our coaches in the Neuroscience, Learning and Experiential Approaches (NLEA) program. It made me realize that while we've talked a little about VISION already in this series, we haven't explored your INTENTIONS for the new year.

I'd like to invite you today to listen in or watch Episode 5 of the Coaching Many Podcast where co-host Evana Valle and I sit down to talk more about Intentiaonality in Group and Team Coaching.

I also want to leave you with three questions to  journal on today:
1. What are your intentions for the new year?
As you think ahead to the new year, consider these questions as a future focus:

• What do I want to cultivate more of in my life this year, and why is that important to me right now?
  (Encourages reflection on values, priorities, and focus for the year ahead.)
• What habits, mindsets, or practices am I ready to release or let go of to create space for growth and change?
  (Promotes awareness of what no longer serves you and supports making room for new opportunities.)
• When I look back at the end of this next year, what do I hope will stand out as my proudest moments or achievements?
  (Fosters a forward-looking perspective, aligning current intentions with future aspirations.)
  
  Enjoy the reflection and be sure to check out Episode 5 on Intentions in Group and Team Coaching at the Coaching Many Podcast.
  
  With best wishes,
  Jennifer
  
  
  
  

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