Find your tribe

When we connect with a group of people with similar values and beliefs, a group of people who want to see us succeed then amazing things can happen. They can become your tribe. 

Belonging to part of a group means you have access to different viewpoints and approaches to problems and challenges1. You get to give and receive help and support. You get to make valuable connections2. You get to experience being part of something bigger, something greater than yourself and share that with people who are doing the same. 

And that’s why, at Connections in Mind, we know that coaching groups can be a powerful step to finding out more about executive functions and a way to start improving your executive functions.  This is the very reason we have recently launched our Connected Club. 

Better than going solo?

We know that one size simply doesn’t fit all. At Connections in Mind, our passion is to make sure everyone can learn about executive functions and the positive and embracing effect that they can have on our personal and professional lives. And sometimes that means making sure that we have a range of services that suit all people, different learning types, aspirations and budgets. 

We are lucky enough to work with some wonderful people who want to learn more about executive functions and how, by understanding these in combination with EF strategies can see huge improvements in how they manage their time, organisation, their emotions, procrastination and much more3,4.  But we also see people who simply wouldn’t thrive in a 1:2:1 setting. So here is a simple guide as to whether group coaching would best suit you. Group coaching is an option for you if:

  • You want to increase your commitment to executive functions and improve them in your life without the intensity of individual coaching. 
  • You are a person who prefers to have a tribe! You thrive in a community setting and benefit from others views and opinions. 
  • You already know your executive function challenges and therefore, need less in depth exploration. 

Group coaching is not a replacement for 1:2:1, individual coaching. But it’s a great introduction to coaching and, in the case of Connected Club, it’s an opportunity to learn more about executive functions without the intensity of individual coaching and learn from other people’s experience and challenges. 

How will group coaching benefit you?

Group coaching is not just about getting a bunch of people together and then each having a 5 minute coaching session until everyone has a turn. It is a place for learning, connection, communication and community that comes from not just the coach but from each individual member. By taking part you will get:

  • Collaboration and community: You will learn from the insights and contributions of peers, as well as your own reflections.  Group coaching offers a shared experience through the community. You will have other people to cheer you on and celebrate with.
  • Out of the limelight: If you are more introverted, the peer learning process may feel less on the spot and provide more time for reflection and articulation of your insights.
  • Cost: The lower cost for a group coaching process may also be a contributing factor for you to be able to say yes to executive function support. 
  • Sharing support and accountabilities for actions: Support and accountabilities can be used to ensure that group members apply the content that you receive from group coaching.
  • Focus: You get a guided programme based on your own problem areas.

The Connected Club

The Connected Club is a 12 week, virtual course bringing a small group of adults together to learn more about executive functions whilst being led and supported by an executive function coach complete with access to 3 x 30 minute 1:2:1 coaching sessions. This is a group where members come together to learn about our brains, executive functions and the strategies we need to better succeed in our home and professional lives. To find out more on The Connected Club and how to register please click here. 

Coaching is just one of the many ways Connections in Mind supports those who have executive function challenges. We manage 2 community-driven Facebook groups for adults and parents where we share free resources, advice and support and through Cimlearning.com  we offer online short courses including An Introduction to Executive Functions which you can view for free.  

Who are Connections in Mind?

At Connections in Mind, we are a team of dedicated and caring executive function coaching experts. Our coaches combine their skills acquired through experience and education to create bespoke coaching programmes tailored to individual client needs. Our client-led approach to coaching means that you will be provided with the support and strategies you need to improve specific self-regulatory and executive functions skills so that you can reach your personal and professional goals.

By Sarah Holgate

References

1Britton, J. J. From one to many: Best practices for team and group coaching. Canada: Wiley Publishers.

2Brown, S. W., & Grant A. W. (2009). From GROW to GROUP: theoretical issues and a practical model for group coaching in organisations.  Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 3 (1), 30-45.

3Muhlberger, M. D., & Traut-Mattausch, E. (2015). Leading to effectiveness: Comparing dyadic coaching and group coaching. The Journal of Applied Behavioural Science, 51 (2), 198-230.

4Doyle, N., & McDowall, A. (2015). Is coaching an effective adjustment for dyslexic adults? Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 8 (2), 154-168.