What is Group Coaching?
Group coaching is an approach that involves a coach or multiple coaches working with a group of individuals at the same time. The coaching can be online or face-to-face based on the client’s preferences.
Groups usually comprise like-minded people with common goals and concerns. For example, a group of writers can come together for coaching on how to keep the plot moving. These sessions can help clients feel a sense of community and companionship, which is beneficial in the long run.
What are the Benefits of Group Coaching?
People choose group coaching because it offers several distinct advantages. Here's a look at some of them:
- Affordability – Group coaching is very affordable compared to one-on-one sessions. Clients split the cost with others and more likely to attend multiple sessions. Students, young professionals, and job seekers can benefit from sessions without spending too much money on them.
- Connection Between Coaches – Group sessions can involve multiple coaches, especially if there are a large number of people attending every session. The connection between coaches can provide several benefits as they can share experiences, insights, and compare notes. It can be a learning experience for all.
- Safe Space – People thrive when their concerns and opinions are validated by their community, which is why group sessions are very beneficial. You essentially provide clients with a safe space where many people are facing the same struggle. They feel less alone and are more likely to progress.
- Deep Bonds – People who attend group sessions together tend to form deep bonds and are likely to become friends. Positive relationships have a good impact on a person’s life and can impact their performance in professional spaces as well.
As you can see, group coaching has several great advantages. Some clients like to invest in a combination of group and one-on-one sessions because that offers the best of both worlds.
What are the Disadvantages of Group Coaching?
Group coaching is beneficial but it isn’t for everyone. Both coaches and clients need to consider the disadvantages of this approach carefully before they proceed. Here’s a look at some of them:
- No One-on-One Sessions – There are no one-on-one sessions and the client isn’t the sole focus of the coach’s attention. This can prove to be disadvantageous for people who need more focused attention.
- Potential for Competitiveness – Healthy competition is a good thing but sometimes it can also cause problems. If the client doesn’t respond well to competition and tends to compare themselves to others regularly, group sessions might not be the best choice for them.
- Unsuitable for Introverts – People who don’t like to work in groups or have issues like social anxiety will not like visiting group sessions. This doesn't just apply to patients, but also coaches. If you work better one-on-one, this style of coaching may not be right for you.
Everyone has different needs and preferences. It is a good idea to find a style that’s most comfortable for you. A group coaching guide can help you understand the ins and outs of this field so you can determine whether it is a good choice.
Who is it for?
Group coaching may not be for everyone, but it is ideal for specific circumstances. For example, group sessions are perfect for teams coming together for specific projects or to start a business.
As a coach, you can encourage open conversation, mitigate conflicts, foster cooperation, and create an environment that nurtures healthy teamwork. Group coaching techniques can be very beneficial in such circumstances.
Group sessions are also a good choice for conflict resolution between family members. You can ask the entire family to attend the session together and help them overcome their differences.
It is important to understand the pros and cons of every coaching style fully before picking an approach. Training institutions like Evercoach can help prospective coaches find their niche and develop it. If you like the idea of group sessions and developing ties with fellow coaches, this is right path for you.
