When most people think about professional coaching, they typically imagine a one-on-one setting that focuses on the individual. Yet group coaching has also become a powerful alternative for personal and professional development. It offers a powerful blend of expert guidance, shared experiences, and community support, making it an attractive option for a wide range of coaching needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting your coaching journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to launch a successful group coaching program.
What Is Group Coaching?
Group coaching involves a small group of individuals (typically 5-20) who come together for a series of sessions facilitated by a professional coach. Participants benefit from shared learning, diverse perspectives, and a supportive community.
A group coaching program uses the power of the group mind to amplify learning and growth. Through shared experience and collective intelligence, group coaching can accelerate individual progress and provide a more meaningful overall learning experience.
Most coaching sessions occur weekly or bi-weekly and follow a scheduled routine with an end date. Here are some examples of what that might look like:
- A weekly 90-minute online group coaching session for entrepreneurs focused on business growth.
- A bi-weekly in-person group coaching program for high-achieving professionals looking to improve their work-life balance.
- A 6-week online program for new mothers focused on self-care and postpartum recovery.
A study published in the National Institutes of Health PMC database (reference: A Review of the Literature on Group Coaching) found that group coaching can be just as effective as individual coaching in achieving positive outcomes. The study highlights the unique advantages of group coaching, including cost-effectiveness and the development of social learning skills.
Group coaching offers many unique benefits that aren’t usually associated with one-on-one coaching. Group coaching benefits include:
Shared Experiences
Participants can learn from each other’s challenges and successes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support. Knowing they’re not alone in their growth challenges can be highly motivating for many individuals.
Diverse Perspectives
Group discussions offer a wealth of viewpoints, helping participants see their challenges from different angles and identify new solutions. More often than not, individuals will hear perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise.
Accountability
The group setting provides a natural sense of accountability, motivating participants to stay on track with their goals.
Community Support
Group coaching fosters a sense of belonging and connection, creating a supportive network for participants. If participants are willing, they can become new connections for other group members, lessening the burden on the coach to move everyone forward.
Cost-effectiveness
Group coaching can be more affordable than one-on-one coaching, making it accessible to a wider range of clients. It can also provide a larger customer base for coaches looking to grow their business.
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Key Steps to Develop a Group Coaching Program
Developing a successful group coaching program requires careful planning and execution. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this dynamic coaching path:
1. Identify Your Niche & Target Audience
- Define your coaching niche. What specific area of coaching do you specialize in? This could be anything from leadership development to stress management or personal finance.
- Define your ideal client. Who are you trying to reach with your program? Consider demographics (age, location, profession), interests, and challenges.
- Understand clients’ challenges and aspirations. What are your ideal clients struggling with? What do they hope to achieve? What are their biggest fears and frustrations?
- Pinpoint desired outcomes. What specific transformations do you want your program to facilitate? For example, do you want to help participants increase their productivity, improve their communication skills, or overcome limiting beliefs?
2. Define Your Program Objectives and Results
- Clarify desired achievements & outcomes of the program. What do you want participants to gain from your program? Be specific and measurable. For example, “Participants will increase their productivity by 20% within 3 months.” This will help you market your program more effectively and help potential clients know what to expect.
- Outline the transformational changes the program will facilitate. How will your program help participants improve their lives? For example, “Participants will experience reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and increased self-confidence.”
- Make it measurable (use measurement tools, etc.). How will you track progress and measure the success of your program? Consider using surveys, assessments, or goal-setting exercises to track participant progress and gather feedback.
3. Decide on Program Duration and Format
- Choose program length (How long will it last 6 weeks, 12 weeks, etc.). Consider the complexity of your program content and your target audience’s availability. Shorter programs may be more suitable for addressing specific challenges, while longer programs allow for deeper exploration and long-term transformation.
- Delivery format. Will sessions be live via Zoom, pre-recorded, or in-person?
- Live online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility for participants.
- Pre-recorded sessions can be more cost-effective and allow participants to access content at their own pace.
- In-person sessions foster a stronger community and provide a more immersive experience.
- Determine meeting frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.). Weekly sessions provide more structure and accountability, while bi-weekly sessions can offer more flexibility.
- Set session duration (how long each session will be (60 minutes, 90 minutes, etc.). Consider the intensity of your content and the attention span of your participants.
- Curriculum (the topics or modules to be covered). Break down your program into manageable modules with clear learning objectives. For example, a leadership development program might include modules on communication skills, delegation, decision-making, and team building.
- Decide on the group coaching model. There are several group coaching models, each with its advantages. (We’ll explore these models in detail later in this guide.)
4. Develop Your Program Curriculum
- Break down content & organize it into modules and lessons. Structure your program logically, ensuring a clear flow of information and activities.
- Select topics and subtopics. Choose topics that are relevant to your niche and target audience’s needs. For example, if your program focuses on stress management, you might include modules on mindfulness techniques, relaxation strategies, time management, and setting healthy boundaries.
- Outline key concepts and activities.
- Plan engaging activities such as group discussions, brainstorming sessions, peer-to-peer coaching, and reflective exercises.
- Include worksheets, handouts, and other resources to support participant learning.
5. Develop Engaging Content for the Program
- Preparing content for sessions. Create high-quality content that is informative, inspiring, and actionable.
- Utilize varied formats (different types of content such as videos, articles, podcasts, infographics, etc.). Incorporate multimedia elements to keep participants engaged and cater to different learning styles.
- Include interactive elements (quizzes, polls, discussion, etc.). Encourage active participation and foster interaction among group members.
- Incorporate real-life examples (case studies or testimonials). Use real-world examples and client stories to illustrate key concepts and inspire participants.
- Encourage collaboration (group activities or peer-to-peer discussions). Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support within the group.
- Create and conduct a self-assessment. Provide participants with tools for self-assessment, such as worksheets, journaling prompts, or online assessments, to track their progress and identify areas for growth.
6. Structure Your Sessions
- Establish a roadmap for each session. Develop a clear agenda for each session, outlining the key topics, activities, and discussion points.
- Plan session openings and closures. Create engaging and energizing session openings and thoughtful closures to leave a lasting impact.
- Plan the activities and discussions. Incorporate a variety of activities, such as group discussions, brainstorming sessions, Q&A sessions, and individual reflection exercises.
- Ensure engagement. Use interactive tools and techniques to keep participants engaged throughout the session. Encourage active participation and create a safe and supportive environment for open and honest dialogue.
7. Set the Pricing
- Research market rates for similar programs. Understand the typical averages for group coaching prices within your niche.
- Consider your costs Factor in all your expenses, including platform fees, content creation, marketing, materials, overhead, and your own time and expertise.
- Choose a pricing model. The most common options are:
- Flat fee. Charge a fixed price for the entire program.
- Payment plans. Offer installment options to make the program more affordable.
- Tiered pricing. Offer different price points based on various factors, such as early bird discounts or group discounts.
- Penetration model. Offer a lower introductory price to attract new clients.
- Communicate value beforehand. Clearly articulate the value proposition of your program and how it will benefit participants.
Tips for Conducting Engaging Sessions
- Start with a high-energy icebreaker to build rapport and create a positive atmosphere.
- Use props or visual aids to enhance engagement and make the session more dynamic.
- Incorporate humor and storytelling to make the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable.
- End each session with a clear summary of key takeaways and a preview of the next session.
Most Effective Group Coaching Models
There are several group coaching techniques and models that you can choose from, each with its advantages and considerations. It may take some experimentation to learn how to run a group coaching session for the clients you serve.
Open Group Model
- Overview: Participants can join the program at any time and leave at their own pace. There is typically a consistent schedule of group sessions, but participants are not obligated to attend every session.
- Ideal application: This model is well-suited for ongoing support and community building. It’s particularly effective for topics that require ongoing learning and support, such as habit change, personal development, or business growth.
- Pricing: Pricing for open groups can vary. Common models include:
- Monthly membership fees. Participants pay a recurring monthly fee for access to all group sessions and resources.
- Pay-per-session. Participants pay for individual sessions as they attend them.
A Cohort-Based Coaching Model
- Overview: Participants join a group that starts and progresses together through a defined program. This creates a strong sense of community and shared experience.
- Ideal application: This model is ideal for programs with a structured curriculum and a defined start and end date, such as a 6-week program on public speaking or a 12-week program on goal setting.
- Examples: A 6-week online program for new entrepreneurs, or a 12-week leadership development program for managers.
- Pricing: Pricing for cohort-based programs is typically based on the overall program duration. You can offer a single payment or installment options.
Membership-Based Model
- Overview: Participants become members of a continuous learning community. They have ongoing access to group coaching sessions, online resources, and other benefits for a recurring monthly or annual fee.
- Ideal application: This model is well-suited for niches that require ongoing support and learning, such as business coaching, health and wellness coaching, or personal development.
- Examples: A membership community for entrepreneurs that includes weekly group coaching calls, access to online courses, and a private online forum.
- Pricing: Membership-based programs typically involve recurring monthly or annual fees. You can offer different membership tiers with varying levels of access and benefits.
Program-Based Model
- Overview: This model focuses on a specific program with a defined start and end date. Participants enroll in the program as a group and progress through the curriculum together.
- Ideal application: This model is suitable for a wide range of topics, from specific skills training (such as negotiation skills) to personal development programs (for example, overcoming procrastination).
- Examples: A 4-week intensive program on public speaking, a 12-week program on mindfulness and stress reduction.
- Pricing: Pricing for program-based models can vary depending on the program duration, intensity, and the value delivered.
How to Choose the Right Group Coaching Model
Choosing the right group coaching model depends on several factors. Follow these five steps to choose the right model for your needs and goals:
- Assess your clients’ goals. What are the specific goals and needs of your target audience?
- Assess group size. Consider the optimal group size for your program and the chosen model.
- Duration of engagement. Determine the appropriate program length based on the complexity of the topic and the desired outcomes.
- Participant availability. Consider your target audience’s availability and preferred learning format.
- Desired level of interaction. Determine the level of interaction and engagement you want to create within the group.
Potential Challenges of Group Coaching & How to Overcome Them
Bringing a group of people together regularly comes with its fair share of challenges. Below, we list a few of the most common challenges along with strategies for overcoming them:
Diverse Participant Needs
Challenge: Meeting the diverse needs and learning styles of all participants within a group setting can demand a lot of energy and effort from the coach.
What Can You Do?
- Designing flexible content that can be personalized. Offer optional activities and resources that cater to individual learning styles and preferences.
- Use breakout sessions or tailored activities to address specific needs and interests within the group.
- Encourage peer-to-peer learning and support. Encourage participants to learn from each other and share their insights.
Managing Group Dynamics
Challenge: Managing group dynamics can stretch a professional coach, as they often must deal with dominant personalities, quiet participants, or conflicts within the group.
What Can You Do?
- Balance participation. Encourage all participants to contribute while ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to speak.
- Draw out quieter members while redirecting dominant ones. Use gentle prompts and questions to encourage participation from quieter members and gently redirect dominant members.
- Establish clear group guidelines early on to ensure respectful and productive interactions.
- Set clear expectations for group participation and communication.
Maintaining Engagement
Challenge: Keeping participants engaged and motivated throughout the program can be challenging.
What Can You Do?
- Incorporate interactive activities (like brainstorming, peer feedback, and role-playing) to keep the sessions dynamic and engaging for a variety of different learning styles. Never rely solely on a lecture format.
- Use interactive tools (polls, quizzes, and live chats) to increase participation and gather feedback.
- Use breakout rooms for small-group discussions to foster deeper connections and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
- Assign action steps to keep participants motivated between sessions.
Providing Individual Attention
Challenge: Providing individual attention to each participant within a group setting can be exceedingly time-consuming, especially for larger groups.
What Can You Do?
- Offer optional one-on-one sessions for participants who require additional support.
- Provide personalized feedback through email or group platforms.
- Acknowledge individual progress and contributions to recognize and celebrate each participant’s achievements.
- Offer individual coaching packages as an add-on for those who desire more personalized support.
Time Management
Challenge: Managing your time effectively as a group coach can be difficult, especially when juggling multiple groups and other commitments.
What Can You Do?
- Create & follow a detailed agenda for each session.
- Allocate specific time blocks for every activity.
- Avoid distractions that hinder time planning.
- Schedule regular breaks to maintain focus and energy levels.
- Utilize time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to improve your productivity.
Take Your Coaching Skills to an Advanced Level
Co-Active Training Institute coach education programs are accredited by the International Coaching Federation, ensuring that our training aligns with the highest standards of coaching excellence. Our curriculum is designed to equip aspiring coaches — both new and veterans — with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to develop a thriving coaching practice. We can help you achieve your group coaching certification through our ICF-accredited group coaching training programs.
By choosing Co-Active, you’re investing in a world-class coaching education that will empower you to become a highly skilled and impactful coach. Discover our wealth of coaching resources and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in coaching.