In addition to coaching CEOs and other senior leaders 1:1, I also conduct group coaching engagements, typically with several co-founders or with a CEO and two or more C-level officers. (I also work with pairs of co-founders or colleagues.) There's no single best approach to group coaching, but there are several common arrangements. Here are the configurations I'm most familiar with, as well as more information about the approaches I employ in my practice:
1. Group Sessions + Leader 1:1
I meet with the group to address issues related to team dynamics and other shared challenges, while I also work 1:1 with the leader in parallel. The leader's 1:1 engagement typically extends beyond group-related topics to address other issues faced by the leader. Group sessions and 1:1 sessions are generally held on the same cadence, e.g. monthly. (This is the configuration that's most common in my practice.)2. Multiple 1:1s + Group Sessions
I work with group members in multiple, parallel 1:1 engagements. Issues related to team dynamics may be addressed in the 1:1s, but the focus extends beyond group-related topics to address other issues faced by each individual. The 1:1 sessions are held on a consistent cadence, while the group sessions may be held on the same cadence, a less-frequent cadence (e.g. quarterly), or on an ad hoc basis. (I also employ this configuration in my practice, although less frequently.)3. Group Sessions + Occasional 1:1s
I work with the group to address issues related to team dynamics and other shared challenges. I occasionally hold 1:1 sessions with the leader or other group members, but most sessions are held jointly. (In some circumstances I'm open to employing this configuration.)4. Multiple 1:1s + Group Sessions with Multiple Coaches
Group members work 1:1 with multiple coaches. In parallel, the coaches confer with each other on how best to support the team, and all parties meet jointly on a consistent or ad hoc basis. (It's rarely feasible for me to participate in this configuration. This isn't a comment on the approach, which is exactly what some groups need, but I generally don't have available time for the necessary coordination.)5. Multiple 1:1s with Multiple Coaches + Group Sessions with an Additional Coach
Group members work 1:1 with multiple coaches, while also engaging an additional coach to conduct joint sessions on team dynamics or other shared challenges. (While it's not uncommon for me to work 1:1 with a leader whose colleagues are participating in a configuration like this, it's rare that I'm available to serve as the group facilitator.)
I typically work with groups of 3 or 4, and I rarely work with groups larger than 6. Most of my work with groups is conducted virtually, but on occasion I'm available for in-person events, usually in Marin County at the Lodge at Marconi in Marshall or at Cavallo Point in Sausalito. It's generally not feasible for me to travel outside the Bay Area.
In all cases it's preferable that everyone is aware that I'm involved and knows who I'm working with. Being transparent about the relationship while maintaining confidentiality around the issues being discussed helps to ensure high levels of trust.
If you're looking to work with me in one of these capacities, I'm happy to talk with you about that possibility. If you haven't yet seen these other pages on my site, they'll help you get started:
More on my approach to coaching
Availability, cadence, and fees
Photo by Vicky Hamilton.