The Power of Deep Focus: Spending Group Coaching Time with One Participant

Group coaching thrives on the energy of shared learning, peer support, and collective wisdom. But as a coach, you might find yourself constantly "zooming in and out" of conversations, ensuring everyone speaks equally. While balance is important, it’s not always the best approach.

‍

There are moments in group coaching when staying with one participant longer is the most impactful choice you can make. As the coach, you are responsible for making that call in the moment, based on what will best serve the group. We encourage you to trust your intuition.

‍

That doesn’t mean every session will center on just one or two people: far from it. Some sessions will be more evenly distributed, while others might require a deep dive with one participant. The key is knowing when not to move on too quickly, and when a focused conversation will elevate learning for the entire group.

‍

Let’s explore why this approach works, how to use it effectively, and how to ensure every participant remains engaged: whether they’re in the spotlight or learning from the sidelines.

‍

Why Deep Focus on One Participant Benefits the Entire Group

‍

1. Shared Learning Through a Single Experience

‍

When a coach works deeply with one participant, it’s not just for that person’s benefit. The entire group learns by witnessing the coaching process in action.

‍

For example, if a participant is struggling with self-doubt, and the coach stays with them through their emotions, reframing, and eventual insight, other participants recognize their own inner struggles. They might think:"That’s exactly how I feel, but I never put it into words."

‍

Instead of moving quickly from one person to the next, the group sees the depth of transformation coaching can create: something they may not have experienced if the session had remained surface-level.

‍

2. Demonstrating Deep Coaching in Action

‍

Many group coaching programs focus on group discussions, but coaching is more than just conversation. It’s about guiding someone toward clarity, insight, and action.

‍

When a coach decides to focus on one participant, they model the coaching process:

‍

- Asking powerful, open-ended questions
- Holding space for deep reflection
- Challenging limiting beliefs
- Encouraging self-discovery

‍

Even participants who aren’t actively speaking will absorb these techniques and apply them to their own challenges.

‍

3. Building Emotional Safety and Trust

‍

Imagine a session where everyone speaks briefly, but no one really dives deep. It might feel like a productive discussion, but will anyone walk away with a breakthrough?
Now, imagine a session where one participant is fully seen, supported, and challenged. That level of care builds trust. Not just between the coach and the participant in focus, but within the entire group.

‍

Witnessing deep coaching reminds the group that this is a space for real transformation, not just surface-level discussions.

‍

4. Encouraging Silent Reflection

‍

Not everyone learns by speaking. Some participants gain more from listening and internalizing than from sharing their own thoughts.

‍

A focused session allows quieter participants to reflect in a way that feels safe. They might not verbalize their insights immediately, but they’re processing valuable lessons that will emerge in future sessions.

‍

The Coach’s Role: Deciding When to Stay with One Person

‍

This Is a Coach’s Decision: Not a Participant’s Request

‍

It’s important to clarify that deep focus isn’t about one participant asking for more time or dominating the session. Instead, it’s a strategic decision the coach makes in the moment.

‍

As a coach, you might notice when someone is on the verge of a breakthrough but needs more space to process. You might hear a challenge that feels universal to the group and decide to explore it further.

‍

Trust your instincts. If deep focus serves the group’s overall learning, stay with it. If the conversation starts to narrow too much, it might be time to move on.

‍

Every Session Will Be Different

‍

While deep focus is powerful, it’s not something to do in every session. Some sessions will be more evenly distributed, with multiple voices contributing equally. Others will require you to lean into one person’s journey for the benefit of the whole group.

‍

The key is intentional variety. Participants will know that:

‍

• Some sessions will have balanced participation from everyone.
• Some sessions will focus on one or two people for longer periods.
• No single person should dominate multiple sessions.

‍

By setting these expectations, you prevent frustration and ensure that all members feel included, whether they’re actively speaking or learning through observation.

‍

Keeping the Whole Group Engaged During a Deep Dive

‍

Even when you’re focused on one person, the rest of the group should remain engaged. Here’s how to keep everyone involved:

‍

1. Frame the Learning for the Whole Group

‍

Before diving deep, set the stage:

‍

• “I’m going to spend a little more time here because this is a theme I think many of you might relate to.”
• “Let’s listen deeply. Notice what resonates for you, or what questions emerge as you’ll have an opportunity to ask them.”

‍

This signals to others that this is for them too: not just the person speaking.

‍

2. Invite Silent Reflection

‍

At key moments, pause and ask the group:

‍

• “How does this relate to your own experience?”
• “What’s coming up for you as you listen?”

‍

Even if they don’t share out loud, they’ll be actively engaged in the process.

‍

3. Debrief After the Deep Coaching Moment

‍

After a deep coaching conversation, widen the discussion:

‍

• “What stood out to you?”
• “What insights did you gain from this?”

‍

This ensures that learning extends beyond just one participant.

‍

4. Encourage Self-Application

‍

End the session by inviting personal reflection:

‍

• “What’s one action you’re taking from today’s session?”

‍

This makes the insights practical and ensures every participant leaves with value.

‍

Overcoming Concerns in Group Coaching

‍

What if other participants feel left out?

‍

Reassure them that every session is different and everyone will have their moment. Encourage them to reflect on how they’re learning, even when they aren’t the one being coached directly.

‍

What if one participant tries to dominate multiple sessions?

‍

Gently redirect if needed:

‍

• “I’d love to hear from someone else on this: who else has a perspective?”
• “Let’s make space for others who haven’t shared yet.”

‍

Ensure you rotate focus across different participants over time.

‍

What if the group expects every session to be deep coaching for one person?

‍

Set clear expectations: Not every session will be structured this way. Some will be open discussions, some will be peer coaching, and others will involve smaller breakout conversations. Variety is key.

‍

Final Thoughts: Embracing Depth and Flexibility in Group Coaching

‍

As a group coach, your role isn’t just to make sure everyone speaks: it’s to provoke transformation. Sometimes, that means focusing deeply on one person. Other times, it means ensuring a balance of voices.

‍

Your ability to make real-time coaching decisions: to stay with a conversation when it’s needed and to shift when it’s time: is what makes group coaching so powerful.

‍

So, trust yourself. Follow the energy of the group. And remember: Every session will be different, but every participant will walk away with valuable insights: whether they’re in the hot seat or learning from the sidelines.

‍

‍

{{blog-cta}}