Anyone new to life coaching may feel instantly overwhelmed at the thought of coaching a group of people rather than individuals. As life coaches, we also want to become the best version of ourselves. It is surprising how often coaches are asked to work with groups, especially in an executive or leadership setting. When trained and equipped with the skills of an internationally recognized certification program like those offered at Life Purpose Institute, group coaching is a secret gem for coaches! Although group coaching is not its own certification program, the ICF training modules include group training, so life coaches are fully equipped when they begin working with clients.
Embrace the Group Concept
A team coach is often excited about the possibilities of working with teams and groups to unlock potential that has never been explored before. Group coaching is an untapped skill that offers significant value to corporate clients. Every organization would benefit from team or group coaching, which requires a mindset that life coaches must have to best serve this niche. When an organization is willing to invest in its people, this is an incredible opportunity for any life coach willing to step out in faith!
Team Coaching
A team life coach focuses on building and strengthening team dynamics and enhancing team performance. Corporate clients who have executive and leadership coaches may see the value of extending their coaching to include more people from within the organization to get buy-in and improve performance. Goals are set as a team through collaboration, and the team works collectively towards them. Goals may be personal and professional, and people achieve them individually as part of the bigger picture. Team success is the goal, which builds on individuals’ personal growth and the development of key skills essential to the organization.
Coaching in Groups
Group coaching requires a unique skill set because groups have dynamics that must be managed for successful facilitation. Some coaches have these skills naturally and find joy in working in this setting. Group coaching is an easy win for organizations because their return on investment is immediate. A positive group coaching experience bonds individuals almost immediately, and their shared experiences provide common ground to build on. Those willing to coach in groups may find it easier to find clients in the corporate world because companies have budgets, and group investments are much easier to justify, even for businesses with smaller budgets.
Keeping the Group Engaged
It is essential to have all participants in team and group coaching engaged and contributing. Some coaches use outside resources to ensure everyone participates, while others track this on their own. The initial session is ideal when limited to 6-8 people, and an overarching goal can be decided. Some organizations will use internal surveys or measurements to help drive goal setting. After the initial session, there are multiple opportunities to engage individuals. Some coaching styles focus on feedback from group members, while others use team-building exercises to build trust, respect, and relationships in the workforce. Having professionals experience something meaningful together creates connections, and being vulnerable together leads to trust in one another. The sky is the limit for coaches willing to step into this underutilized role!
One of the key elements of any coaching is putting what they learn into practice, which gives participants tangible experiences and an opportunity to learn from and improve the skills they are working on. Coaching in groups should be professional, but also an opportunity for groups to form relationships in which accountability is welcomed, as it helps further the goals of the group and the organization.
Fulfilling Your Coaching Purpose
At Life Purpose Institute, we partner with each of our coaches to help them fulfill their own purpose while pursuing a successful, impactful coaching career. Whether specializing in spiritual, relational, health and wellness, or executive and leadership coaching, the foundation of coaching comes from hands-on training and experience through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). No other organization is dedicated to the highest level of excellence in life coaching, which is why we support only ICF-certification programs. Certification can be completed online or in person, equipping coaches to move forward in their careers with confidence and the toolkit to succeed.
If you are considering a career in life coaching, Life Purpose Institute can help you achieve it! Our comprehensive programs include ICF certifications and ongoing marketing support to help our coaches launch their careers and secure their first clients. When you hold a certification from ICF in Life Coaching, your foot is already in the door. We are with our coaches every step of the way and offer free consultations to help them discover their passion and become the best coaches possible!
Contact us today for a free life coach certification consultation or call 858-484-3400 to speak with a caring admissions professional. We tailor programs to our coaches’ needs and goals, and we stand by them because we believe they make the world a better place.
