Organizations are increasingly looking for ways to foster growth, connection, and belonging amongst their employees, as research shows that organizations with high levels of employee engagement are 23% more profitable than companies with low engagement. There are a multitude of ways that organizations support their employees–virtual training, in-person training, learning courses, etc. Group coaching is a powerful tool that many organizations underutilize. It works by giving participants space and guidance (with both a coach and facilitated platform) to engage conversations that leverage the collective experience of their peers. Group coaching is a collaborative approach that helps participants learn and practice new skills. That often means the group works on a specific business priority– like making the transition from individual contributor to being a new manager to finding belonging within an organization. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of group coaching and understand how and when organizations should use it.
When is Group Coaching the Right Fit?
Group coaching thrives in environments where there’s a need for collective growth. When a group of individuals share common goals, challenges, or skill gaps, group coaching provides an environment where participants can learn from each other’s varied experiences and backgrounds. For organizations looking to create a more cohesive and inclusive culture, group coaching offers a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, which enhances motivation, accountability, and engagement. In fact, research shows that employees who experience belonging at work are 3x more likely to look forward to going to work.
Key Business Priorities to Address With Group Coaching
While group coaching can be beneficial in most contexts, there are a number of specific business priorities where it is most commonly used, and is well- suited.
- New managers: Transitioning from an individual contributor to a managerial role can require an entirely new set of skills. Group coaching provides new leaders with the necessary skills and support to navigate this transition effectively.
- Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership and team collaboration. Group coaching focused on effective communication equips participants with tools to enhance clarity, empathy, and understanding in their interactions.
- Middle managers: Middle managers play a pivotal role in translating organizational strategies into actionable plans. Group coaching programs tailored for middle managers help them bridge the gap between strategy and execution, driving organizational success.
- Leading through change: In today’s volatile business environment, leaders must navigate uncertainty and change with resilience. Group coaching can equip leaders with the mindset and strategies to lead through turbulent times while maintaining team morale and performance.
- Underrepresented groups: For employees, feeling a sense of belonging and confidence in their identity is vital to their satisfaction and impact at work. Group coaching provides individuals with a support group of individuals with shared backgrounds, while increasing retention for employers.
- Becoming a more effective leader: For leaders, leveraging coaching skills can be integral to fostering a culture of empowerment and continuous improvement within teams. Group coaching programs help leaders foster a coaching mindset and develop essential skills that help them cultivate stronger, more empowered teams.
Group coaching offers a powerful platform to address various business priorities and challenges, providing a predictable and repeatable environment for professional growth and development. By leveraging group coaching programs, organizations can equip their leaders and teams with the skills and mindset needed to reach their goals. Learn how group coaching programs can support your organization’s unique goals and strategy by scheduling a demo here.
