Blog and On-Demand Webinar: Effective Group Coaching

EBC Thought Leaders Blog: Setting the Stage for Effective Group Coaching

Guest Blogger:  Erek J. Ostrowski, PhD, PCC – http://www.vervecoaching.com/erek-ostrowski/

How does one recognize or define effective group coaching?  What kind of groups foster meaningful learning and change?  How does coaching in a group environment differ from dyadic (one-on-one) coaching?

When I first started coaching entrepreneurs 15 years ago, I noticed right away how many of my clients shared similar challenges and problems.  However, many also shared in the belief that they were alone in their suffering.  And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t convince them otherwise.  This is what initially gave me the idea to start a group coaching program for entrepreneurs.  I wanted my clients to hear their peers voicing and working through similar problems and challenges, so they would know they weren’t alone, and so they could share knowledge and learn vicariously through each other’s experiences.

Coaching in an “unaffiliated” group setting, where members don’t belong to the same work team and share no affiliation outside the coaching group, is a complex and challenging endeavor.  Managing the goals, personalities, communication styles, and social dynamics of a group requires awareness and skills that go beyond those involved in dyadic (one-on-one) coaching.  It’s important to know what conditions or group characteristics set the stage for learning and change in a group, as well as what can sometimes get in the way of learning.

In this webinar, I will draw from my dissertation research and practical experience to discuss five fundamental characteristics of effective coaching groups that create a solid foundation for learning and change.  You will learn how elements of the social environment and social processes at work in groups can enhance or extend the impact of coaching, and how group coaching can foster deep reflection and learning in entrepreneurs and other populations.

EBC Thought Leaders Webinar: Setting the Stage for Effective Group Coaching

Was held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Watch the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/0yuAVqdibGc

Description

Skillful group coaching requires an understanding of the complex social processes that shape learning and change in groups.  How does one define effective group coaching?  What do coaches need to know in order to work with groups?  Based on key findings from his dissertation research on group coaching with entrepreneurs, Dr. Ostrowski will explore five fundamental characteristics of effective coaching groups that help lay the foundation for transformative learning and change in group members.

Biography

Erek J. Ostrowski, PhD, PCC is a leadership and business coach, graduate-level educator, coaching innovator, and the founder of Verve Coaching.  He works with entrepreneurs and business owners who aspire to be skillful, impactful leaders in the organizations and communities they serve.  He is recognized for his pioneering work advancing the knowledge and practice of group coaching in entrepreneurship and the MBA classroom.  Dr. Ostrowski also serves as adjunct faculty in the Accelerated MBA program at Assumption College.  He holds a PhD in Organizational Development and Change from Fielding Graduate University.   See http://www.vervecoaching.com/erek-ostrowski/.

For more on Fielding’s EBC Coach Training Program, see http://coach.fielding.edu

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