Discover Your Coaching Niche

In this series of blog entries, we’ve been examining what we as coaches can do when we get a request to coach a group.  In the first part, we laid out the criteria for defining a group.  

Then we outlined the first two parts of the POES model – the Purpose and the Outcome.  Now we’ll move onto the Evidence and the Steps. 

Define the Evidence
Once we have a specific outcome, we need to know when we have reached it – we need the Evidence.

Get this Evidence in sensory specific terms – what specifically will you see and what will you hear when this outcome is achieved? Then as soon as what you see or hear indicates you have achieved the Outcome, you can wrap up the session.

Lay Out The Steps
Having defined the Purpose, Outcome and Evidence are vital precursors to the actual work in reaching your group’s Outcome. Now you need to know the Steps to get you the required outcome. These steps towards the outcome will either come from your knowledge of the problem domain, from another domain expert, or from your group.

So work through all the steps until you reach your outcome. Then pat yourself on the back and go and have a beer.

Anticipate problems
Sometimes working through POES is all you’ll need to do. Other times you may need to deal with common group-based problems.

A good facilitator will anticipate problems that can be caused by disruptive participants. A little thought beforehand about what could go awry – such as people arriving late or leaving early, one person dominating the session and dealing with low contributors can make all the difference.

Often, thinking about the potential problems and planning and agreeing the workshop rules accordingly can negate any problems.

But don’t be afraid to intervene to stop unhelpful group behaviour. As facilitator you’re the guardian of the Outcome – challenge any behaviour that is not taking the group towards their stated outcome.

Summary
So that’s it – work through the POES model, anticipate problems and challenge behaviour not moving towards the outcome. Now, step up, and offer to facilitate a group!

Alun Richards helps coaches find and reach their coaching niche. Discover yours with Alun’s free mini-course, “Discover Your Coaching Niche”,

Alun Richards www.brandingyou.org

ps There’s an excellent book for those who wish to develop their facilitation skills further – it’s “Managers as Facilitators” by Weaver & Farrell.
© 2007 Alun Richards.  All Rights Reserved

Comments are closed.