From Solo to Circle: Transforming Through Group Coaching
At Neu21, curiosity is ingrained in us. We explore possibilities, nudge boundaries, and evolve. This year, we shifted from 1:1 coaching to group coaching. But what happens when you bring a group of coaches together in a coaching circle? Here, I’ll share my experiences as a coach, coachee, and observer.
I love to coach—there's something sacred about the insights unlocked through thoughtful questioning. However, I’d be lying if I said coaching never feels heavy. Sometimes, the questions feel risky, like stepping into the unknown. In group coaching, this risk can feel even weightier. Can a group truly hold the trust needed? Will we show up for each other, even when it’s uncomfortable?
One profound benefit of group coaching is the collective energy—it’s contagious. Some of my greatest learnings have come not just from questions I’ve asked, but from those I’ve heard others ask. Brilliant questions can crack open new worlds for someone. When the right question is asked at the right time, it can be transformational not just for the person being coached, but for everyone in the room.
Listening to someone else’s coaching experience is a lesson in itself. One of the most valuable aspects of group coaching is the practice of truly listening. We often underestimate the power of quieting our minds and stepping back to witness someone else’s growth.
In our circles, we've cried, laughed, and asked questions that weren’t fully understood. It can get messy. But those moments remind us that coaching is a human experience—not a perfect one. It’s raw, and that’s where real growth happens. I’ve felt vulnerable and unsure, yet that’s when the magic unfolds. It’s about showing up for others and trusting they’ll show up for you.
Of course, no process is without its shadows, and our group coaching is no exception. Even in a room of coaches, there’s the risk that someone might overstep, inadvertently side-tracking the process. These moments have challenged my trust in the process, but they’re also a reminder that group coaching is about presence, not perfection.
One-on-one coaching remains vital. But when you pair its depth with the collective energy of group coaching, the possibilities for growth expand exponentially. Group coaching offers a different kind of power—rooted in diversity of thought, shared accountability, and the organic learning that happens as we evolve together.
Sometimes, when you feel least like coaching—when you’re feeling flat, overloaded, or down—that’s when you need it the most. It’s easy to retreat when life feels heavy, but that’s precisely when the space that coaching offers can be most powerful. Group coaching, in particular, can provide the lift you didn’t know you needed.
Studies show that group coaching fosters deeper self-awareness, greater clarity in decision-making, and increased emotional intelligence—qualities critical for navigating today’s fast-changing world. The beauty of group coaching lies in its ability to create an environment where multiple perspectives converge, challenging each participant to think differently, ask deeper questions, and approach problems with more creativity.
Group coaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about transformation through presence, trust, and vulnerability. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself—witnessing and contributing to others’ growth while sparking your own breakthroughs.
Interested in applying this approach to your own team? We can help you get started.