When something is not working…

When something is not working…

Imagine being in your group session, asking a question and receiving… nothing! The group is quiet, they don’t look engaged and well… you might start to panic. 

When something isn't working as planned, it's crucial to take a moment to reassess and involve the group in finding a solution. It’s their experience after all. Here are some ideas to handle these situations:

Pause and Assess:  This pause allows both you and the participants to reflect on what's happening and why the current approach might not be effective.

Encourage Open Feedback: Directly ask your participants what they need in that moment. As adults in a learning environment, they can provide valuable insights into what might help them engage better or understand the material more effectively.

Facilitate a Group Discussion: Initiate a discussion to explore alternative themes. This not only helps in creating immediate engagement but also promotes urgency in the participants.

Adapt and Implement: Based on the feedback, adapt the session dynamically. This might involve changing the activity, adjusting the pace, or shifting the focus to better meet the group’s needs.

Follow-Up: After implementing changes, check back with the group to see if the new approach is working. Continuous feedback loops can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the session.

This approach respects the adult learners’ autonomy and leverages their collective knowledge, making the session more engaging and productive.


Group Coaching HQ is a unique professional learning community focused on group coaching. We support you with the connection, knowledge, practice, and toolkit you need to enrich or launch your group coaching programs confidently and amplify your impact. Learn more: www.groupcoachinghq.com

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