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What is Group Coaching?

Some people think group coaching is a less expensive, more diluted way to experience coaching. Actually, group coaching is a very different experience than individual coaching.

Group coaching is an experience that mimics the interconnected world we live in and work through. It is an opportunity to work with other individuals; people very different from us, but around a topic of interest. Think about this. It means that a group of people come together around a topic, but everyone comes with a different way of looking at it, a different personality, and a different natural inclination of how they approach it. 

Group coaching lets us do a number of things.

One – we explore a topic.

We talk about something of interest and we learn from each other, with a facilitator (that’s me). It is a time to connect in a safe space with others from different industries, different perspectives and from different areas of the country.

Two – we get to self reflect.

We have exercises that allow for personal reflection. It gives us time to go deep within and find strengths and areas where we may have been stuck. This personal insight is invaluable to our growth and if we are willing to share, it can be extremely useful to the group.

Three – we share insights with the group.

This gives us the opportunity to learn from each other, help unblock each other, normalize certain fears and celebrate others’ unique strengths. 

Four – we experience an individual coaching session.

This allows us to work through anything in a private coaching session. I recommend these take place during the month/s of the group coaching sessions in order for you to share your growth and insights, if you choose.  However, you are free to schedule your individual coaching session at your convenience.  

Five – we get a network of support.

This may be the best benefit of group coaching, a group supporting us around a topic of interest. Cheering us on, there when we need a lift. I use a coaching platform that allows participants to engage with one another and many go on to stay in touch. 

Some additional session information.

Some group coaching sessions include a personal assessment. These sessions delve into your assessment and explore the meaning. Most sessions last four weeks long and take place on a Friday during an East Coast lunch time. Eat your lunch while we meet, or breakfast if you are on the west coast. 

Try one if you haven’t. Check out our schedule on our website.

With Purpose,

Kelly

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Lead According to Values

Are we leaders?

What do we contribute to society? Do we give more than we take? Do we make the world more beautiful or uglier? 

That is the difference between being a great leader and being a leader by default of having followers. Think of the greatest leaders of all time. How do they handle situations? How do they behave in difficult situations? How do we handle our difficult situations? Justify our behavior or take ownership and try to make the world better? Power and influence does not create an effective leader – humility, inclusion, sacrifice, and courage make an effective leader.

I am not saying we have to accept harmful and hurtful behavior or being treated poorly – walking away works too, not engaging works also. As soon as we engage, we have the potential of putting more toxic words and behavior in society. But, walking away and continuing to create toxic energy instead of actuating kindness is just as bad. 

I am going to write about something that some may take political. I don’t usually write about politics but politicians should be leaders, so it is hard to not touch on it. 

No one is exempt from leadership.

I was disappointed in the presidential debates. Whether I expected more from one or both or how I feel politically will remain unstated and is irrelevant. For those that would like to have an honest conversation about moving this country forward towards a more loving and compassionate place for all – I’d welcome that conversation, that includes listening, empathy and appreciation of differences.  That is what makes us the United States of America. While I wrote this immediately following the first debates, I sat on it to ensure I wrote from a place of leadership and not toxic energy. I hope I succeed. The leadership thoughts remain the same for me, regardless of how long ago the debates transpired.

People believe in their party over kindness, in their person over values. He did this so…. The media did or didn’t so…. I would have X. It is time someone did Y. 

I’ve said so many times what I believe defines a true leader is the ability to make the world better. The ability to hold on to and implement our values at all costs. 

Give back better.

A leader takes what they are given, processes it and puts out something better. If someone’s bad behavior justifies our own bad behavior – then we are all justified to walk around and cause damage to this world and to others. How does that leave this world and each-other? Very damaged, very hostile and very broken. 

Values always.

A leader defines her/his values and lives by them in every situation. A leader is so resolute in them; so-much-so, no one individual or instance should result in default to compromise. We as leaders can walk away. If we feel that will cost us votes because our voters won’t like that, that says more about our voter’s values than ours and why would we care. And if we are afraid to walk away – that means we value votes over integrity. We have a choice. 

No one makes us say things. Yes, something might slip out, but we can say “I am sorry, that isn’t my character and I am not engaging in this” – in the moment or the days that follow. We have sole equity over our behavior and mustn’t continue to blame our choices on others. 

I also believe in grace. I only hope leadership; where kindness and strength, empathy and policy, compassion and fairness will find a way into politics and unite our great country that we love.

With Purpose,

Kelly