The Group Coaching Approach

A few months ago, I completed an online group training series with other ADHD coaches from around the world. It was a transformational experience. Not only did I develop my skill set beyond what I imagined to be possible, but I made new friends with whom I communicate regularly to this day. The group coaching approach taught me to get comfortable with vulnerability in front of my peers. Even though I did not know most of these people and might never meet any of them in person, my level of discomfort began at an all time high. How could I reveal all of my challenges and shortcomings to them? With time, as everyone began to let go and put themselves out there, we all relaxed into the sessions, volunteering to take risks and make mistakes for the benefit of the entire group. The collective wisdom generated from those weeks of coaching, combined with the laughter (and the tears) brought us closer together and made us stronger both individually and as a team. We communicated between sessions to ask questions, encourage each other and to lend support. Sometimes I needed time to process what I had learned in a session and had the luxury of going back to the group to keep the discussion going. I was no longer the sole credentialed ADHD coach in the Gulf South. I felt part of something bigger. I was not alone. And I was not alone in wanting to improve. The positive energy associated with the commitment to the process contagiously spread and we all became better coaches with practice and dedication. Since then, I met many of my group in person at the International ADHD Conference, and a few have even joined our team at Mind Coach NOLA. Give group coaching a try. You will walk away with skills. You may walk away with a friend for life.