270 - Mastering the Art of Group Coaching with Dominique Mas
May 21, 2024
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Dominique Mas, an expert in coaching and leadership, delves into the nuances of group coaching versus facilitation in a transformative journey of self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of individual needs, wise questioning, and creating a safe space for vulnerability. The discussion touches on building trust, navigating diverse personalities, and mastering coaching skills. Strategies for addressing microaggressions and maintaining psychological safety are also explored, inviting listeners to embrace continuous learning and growth.
Facilitation involves control, while coaching guides without direct advice.
Group coaching emphasizes individual agency and responsibility for personal growth.
Effective group coaching requires smaller groups, screening participants, and promoting active engagement.
Deep dives
Roles of Facilitator and Coach
The distinction between being a facilitator and a coach was highlighted in the podcast, with the guest discussing their transition from being a facilitator of learning to a coach. They emphasized the importance of adopting different stances and behaviors based on the role assumed, with facilitation involving more control over the session compared to coaching, which focuses on guiding the flow of conversation and content without giving direct advice.
Group Coaching Dynamics
The podcast delved into the dynamics of group coaching, emphasizing the shift from dependency in team coaching to individual agency in group coaching. Participants in group coaching are encouraged to take responsibility for their own journey and to actively engage in coaching each other. The concept of creating agency and co-creating the coaching space within the group was highlighted as a pivotal aspect of effective group coaching.
Optimal Group Size and Participant Screening
The ideal group size for group coaching was discussed, with a preference for smaller groups of 6 to 8 participants to ensure adequate individual participation and engagement. The importance of screening participants before group coaching sessions to ensure alignment with the group's dynamics and goals was stressed. Techniques for dealing with diverse personality types within the group, including those who dominate discussions or exhibit unhelpful behaviors, were also shared, focusing on setting clear guidelines and gently redirecting conversations.
Strategies for Encouraging Active Listening and Contribution
Encouraging active participation and listening in group discussions is essential for effective communication. One strategy mentioned in the podcast involves thanking individuals for their contributions to emphasize their importance. By prompting individuals to reflect on key takeaways and write them down, it helps them internalize the discussion and encourages diverse voices to be heard. Employing techniques like acknowledging the speaker's input and setting time limits for sharing thoughts can prevent dominating discussions and foster a more inclusive environment.
Navigating Different Communication Styles in Group Settings
Understanding and navigating various communication styles, such as speaking to think and speaking to speak, is crucial in facilitation and coaching roles. The podcast delves into how facilitators can differentiate between individuals who process information while speaking and those who need time for reflection. Providing parameters for sharing thoughts, offering moments of reflection, and coaching individuals to recognize their communication tendencies can enhance communication effectiveness and build self-awareness within group dynamics.
Even as fully-fledged adults, there are many things about ourselves that we have yet to discover. Unexplored ideas, hidden pools of potential, and uncharted spaces we have yet to step into.
That is why coaching exists; to become aware of what we didn’t know, to move from a state of unconscious incompetence, into one of conscious incompetence, realising our blindspots and delving bravely, unreservedly into them.
Coaching mastermind and leader in education Dominique Mas has trained over 200 coaches, helping them to explore their blindspots, on a mission to bring the transformative power of group coaching to the world.
Episode 270 is a mushroom garden of epiphanies and burgeoning questions, as we unravel the difference between facilitation and group coaching, with many moments you’ll want to pause to commit to memory. Enjoy!
Find out about:
The differences, symmetries and cross-sections between facilitation and group coaching
The importance of understanding individual needs and experiences before a group coaching session
Why thanking participants for their contribution invites in different voices
Why we must choose our questions wisely in a coaching context to ensure positive engagement
The art of not giving advice and the role of agency in coaching
The important difference between trust and psychological safety
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