The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Assessments in Group Coaching Programs
October 21, 2024
Assessments can be a powerful tool in all group coaching programs, whether an internal leadership group coaching program or a life coaching group coaching program.
Used effectively, they can enhance self-awareness, deepen reflection, and support meaningful transformation within group coaching sessions.
Before you use assessments to enhance your group coaching sessions, here are some important considerations.
DO:
- Reflect on your goal in using this tool. Why are your bringing it in? What will it validate or surface for the group? How will you communicate this to the group during your group coaching program?
- Ensure you check in on and mitigate any resistance to using assessment tools - some of your group members may have had the negative experience of being “boxed in” after taking an assessment. As a group coach, ensure psychological safety and open dialogue around assessments.
- Only use assessments you are well-versed in. Ensure you’ve trained in this tool and are prepared to share the science behind it or answer any questions that might come up during the group coaching session.
- Facilitate meaningful discussions. The right approach to assessments in group coaching sessions allows for deeper reflection, connection, and buy-in from participants.
The above will allow you to create psychological safety, credibility and buy-in when your group members debrief together.
DON'T:
- Make assessments a one-off thing! Assessments are a wonderful tool to create self-awareness. Refer to the results throughout the group coaching program, encouraging group members to reflect on how they see their result show up or if they see a change in themselves from the intentional work they are doing with you.
- Be “assessment happy”. Choose one and focus on deepening the participants’ understanding of themselves through it .
- Let participants develop a fixed mindset from their results. E.g. “Well, I’m a [ASSESSMENT RESULT], so that’s what I do… Instead, as a group coach, help them move beyond labels to explore growth, adaptability, and new perspectives within your group coaching process.
The above will ensure the assessment results are used to create deep transformation within your participants.
They help reframe perspectives, spark curiosity, and cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion. When applied intentionally, they can be transformative in your group coaching sessions, creating lasting impact for participants.
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