Facilitating Group Coaching
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Social Change in Coaching course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Active Listening – The practice of fully concentrating, understanding, re… #
Active Listening – The practice of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what speakers say.
Example #
A facilitator repeats key points in the group’s own words to confirm comprehension.
Practical application #
Use paraphrasing and summarising after each participant shares to ensure clarity.
Challenges #
Managing internal distractions and resisting the urge to formulate a response before the speaker finishes.
Agenda Setting – The process of defining topics, objectives, and time all… #
Agenda Setting – The process of defining topics, objectives, and time allocations for a coaching session.
Example #
Co‑creating an agenda with participants at the start of a workshop on community advocacy.
Practical application #
Use a collaborative whiteboard where members add agenda items and vote on importance.
Challenges #
Balancing diverse priorities and preventing agenda creep.
Alignment – Ensuring that group goals, individual motivations, and organi… #
Alignment – Ensuring that group goals, individual motivations, and organisational mission are mutually supportive.
Example #
Aligning a group’s action plan with the broader social‑change campaign of the host NGO.
Practical application #
Conduct a quick “values check” where members map personal values to the group’s purpose.
Challenges #
Reconciling conflicting personal agendas and institutional constraints.
Assessment – The systematic collection of data to gauge group readiness,… #
Assessment – The systematic collection of data to gauge group readiness, skill gaps, and contextual factors.
Example #
Administering a pre‑session questionnaire to identify participants’ experience with community organising.
Practical application #
Use a mixed‑methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and observation.
Challenges #
Ensuring honest responses and avoiding assessment fatigue.
Bystander Effect – A social‑psychological phenomenon where individuals ar… #
Bystander Effect – A social‑psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help when others are present.
Example #
In a large coaching circle, no one steps forward to mediate a conflict because each assumes someone else will.
Practical application #
Assign rotating “guardian” roles to encourage proactive engagement.
Challenges #
Overcoming cultural norms that discourage speaking up.
Co‑creation – Joint development of knowledge, solutions, or resources by… #
Co‑creation – Joint development of knowledge, solutions, or resources by facilitator and participants.
Example #
Designing a community outreach toolkit together with local activists during a coaching session.
Practical application #
Use real‑time collaborative documents to capture ideas as they emerge.
Challenges #
Managing divergent creative visions and ensuring equitable contribution.
Collective Impact – A structured approach to solving complex social probl… #
Collective Impact – A structured approach to solving complex social problems through cross‑sector coordination.
Example #
Aligning the efforts of youth groups, NGOs, and municipal agencies to reduce homelessness.
Practical application #
Facilitate a shared measurement system where each group reports progress against common indicators.
Challenges #
Sustaining long‑term commitment and reconciling differing accountability standards.
Consensus Building – A decision‑making method that seeks broad agreement… #
Consensus Building – A decision‑making method that seeks broad agreement rather than simple majority rule.
Example #
Reaching a consensus on the core values that will guide a grassroots campaign.
Practical application #
Use “gradients of agreement” cards to capture the intensity of support.
Challenges #
Time consumption and possible pressure on dissenting voices.
Conflict Management – Techniques for recognizing, addressing, and transfo… #
Conflict Management – Techniques for recognizing, addressing, and transforming interpersonal or group tensions.
Example #
Intervening when two participants clash over resource allocation strategies.
Practical application #
Apply the “interest‑based relational” approach to uncover underlying needs.
Challenges #
Maintaining neutrality and preventing escalation.
Community Mapping – Visual representation of local assets, stakeholders,… #
Community Mapping – Visual representation of local assets, stakeholders, and power structures.
Example #
Creating a map of community centres, schools, and informal gathering spots during a coaching workshop.
Practical application #
Use post‑its on a large sheet to plot resources and identify gaps.
Challenges #
Ensuring comprehensive coverage and avoiding bias.
Coaching Cycle – The iterative sequence of goal setting, action planning,… #
Coaching Cycle – The iterative sequence of goal setting, action planning, execution, review, and reflection.
Example #
A group sets a target to increase voter registration, implements outreach, reviews results, and refines tactics.
Practical application #
Embed a “check‑in” at the start of each session to revisit previous commitments.
Challenges #
Keeping momentum across multiple cycles and avoiding “cycle fatigue”.
Coaching Ethics – Standards governing confidentiality, consent, boundarie… #
Coaching Ethics – Standards governing confidentiality, consent, boundaries, and professional conduct.
Example #
Obtaining informed consent before discussing sensitive community‑level data.
Practical application #
Provide a written ethics brief at the beginning of the certificate program.
Challenges #
Navigating cultural differences in privacy expectations.
Coaching Presence – The facilitator’s ability to be fully attentive, grou… #
Coaching Presence – The facilitator’s ability to be fully attentive, grounded, and authentic in the moment.
Example #
Maintaining eye contact and open body language while a participant shares a personal story.
Practical application #
Begin each session with a brief grounding exercise.
Challenges #
Managing personal stress and external interruptions.
Coaching Supervision – Structured support for facilitators to reflect on… #
Coaching Supervision – Structured support for facilitators to reflect on practice, receive feedback, and develop skills.
Example #
Monthly supervision meetings where facilitators discuss challenging group dynamics.
Practical application #
Use a reflective journal template to document observations and questions.
Challenges #
Allocating time and creating a safe supervisory environment.
Coaching Techniques – Specific methods such as questioning, reframing, an… #
Coaching Techniques – Specific methods such as questioning, reframing, and visualisation used to facilitate learning.
Example #
Employing the “3‑Why” technique to uncover root motivations for a social‑change goal.
Practical application #
Keep a toolbox of techniques and select based on the group’s current need.
Challenges #
Over‑reliance on familiar techniques and neglecting contextual fit.
Collaboration – Joint effort among individuals or organisations to achiev… #
Collaboration – Joint effort among individuals or organisations to achieve shared outcomes.
Example #
A coaching cohort partners with a local university to research policy impact.
Practical application #
Draft a collaboration charter that outlines roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.
Challenges #
Managing power imbalances and differing timelines.
Cultural Competence – Ability to understand, respect, and effectively wor… #
Cultural Competence – Ability to understand, respect, and effectively work within diverse cultural contexts.
Example #
Adapting coaching language to reflect Indigenous perspectives on stewardship.
Practical application #
Conduct a cultural‑awareness audit before each session.
Challenges #
Avoiding tokenism and addressing unconscious biases.
Dialogue – An open, respectful exchange that encourages deeper listening… #
Dialogue – An open, respectful exchange that encourages deeper listening and shared meaning.
Example #
Facilitating a dialogue between youth activists and local officials on zoning laws.
Practical application #
Use “talking circles” where each participant speaks without interruption.
Challenges #
Keeping dialogue constructive and preventing domination by louder voices.
Empowerment – Process of increasing individuals’ or groups’ capacity to m… #
Empowerment – Process of increasing individuals’ or groups’ capacity to make choices and transform those choices into actions.
Example #
Coaching participants to design their own advocacy campaigns rather than following a preset template.
Practical application #
Provide tools and resources that enable autonomous decision‑making.
Challenges #
Balancing guidance with over‑directiveness.
Facilitator Role – The set of responsibilities a person assumes to guide,… #
Facilitator Role – The set of responsibilities a person assumes to guide, support, and structure group coaching.
Example #
A facilitator curates activities, monitors time, and ensures psychological safety.
Practical application #
Create a role‑clarity checklist that outlines expectations for each session.
Challenges #
Managing dual identities as expert and learner.
Feedback Loop – A cyclical process where information about performance is… #
Feedback Loop – A cyclical process where information about performance is shared, interpreted, and acted upon.
Example #
After a role‑play, peers give constructive feedback that the participant integrates into the next exercise.
Practical application #
Use a “plus/delta” format to capture what went well and what could improve.
Challenges #
Preventing feedback from becoming judgmental or demotivating.
Group Dynamics – The patterns of interaction, influence, and behaviour th… #
Group Dynamics – The patterns of interaction, influence, and behaviour that emerge within a collective.
Example #
Observing a subgroup forming around a charismatic participant, affecting decision‑making balance.
Practical application #
Conduct regular “check‑ins” to surface emerging dynamics.
Challenges #
Detecting subtle power shifts and addressing them without alienating members.
Group Process – The sequence of stages a group typically passes through,… #
Group Process – The sequence of stages a group typically passes through, from formation to dissolution.
Example #
Guiding a newly formed activist team through “storming” to achieve productive “norming”.
Practical application #
Map the current stage and select interventions appropriate to that phase.
Challenges #
Misreading the stage and applying mismatched techniques.
Group Cohesion – The sense of belonging, trust, and mutual commitment amo… #
Group Cohesion – The sense of belonging, trust, and mutual commitment among members.
Example #
A coaching cohort celebrates a collective milestone, strengthening unity.
Practical application #
Incorporate shared rituals such as opening circles or collective affirmations.
Challenges #
Over‑cohesion leading to groupthink or exclusion of outsiders.
Group Norms – Explicit or implicit rules that govern acceptable behaviour… #
Group Norms – Explicit or implicit rules that govern acceptable behaviour within a group.
Example #
Establishing a norm that phones are silenced during reflective discussions.
Practical application #
Co‑create a “norms charter” at the start of the program.
Challenges #
Norm violations and the need for enforcement mechanisms.
Group Reflection – Structured contemplation where members collectively ex… #
Group Reflection – Structured contemplation where members collectively examine experiences, learning, and emotions.
Example #
After a community outreach, the group reflects on what resonated with residents.
Practical application #
Use a “What? So What? Now What?” framework to guide reflection.
Challenges #
Encouraging honest sharing while managing emotional intensity.
Example #
The group paints a mural depicting a city free of food insecurity.
Practical application #
Facilitate a “vision board” activity using images and words.
Challenges #
Aligning diverse aspirations into a coherent vision.
Icebreaker – An activity designed to ease tension, build rapport, and sti… #
Icebreaker – An activity designed to ease tension, build rapport, and stimulate interaction at the start of a session.
Example #
“Two Truths and a Lie” where participants share personal facts to discover commonalities.
Practical application #
Choose icebreakers that reflect the cultural context and session objectives.
Challenges #
Selecting activities that are inclusive and not overly frivolous.
Inclusivity – Ensuring that all participants, regardless of background, c… #
Inclusivity – Ensuring that all participants, regardless of background, can fully engage and benefit.
Example #
Providing translation services for non‑English speaking community members.
Practical application #
Conduct an inclusion audit of venue, materials, and facilitation style.
Challenges #
Identifying hidden barriers and allocating resources to address them.
Intervention – A purposeful action taken by the facilitator to shift the… #
Intervention – A purposeful action taken by the facilitator to shift the group’s trajectory toward desired outcomes.
Example #
Introducing a role‑play to surface hidden assumptions about power dynamics.
Practical application #
Use a decision‑tree to select interventions based on observed needs.
Challenges #
Timing the intervention appropriately and avoiding over‑control.
Learning Contract – A mutually agreed statement outlining what participan… #
Learning Contract – A mutually agreed statement outlining what participants intend to learn and how they will demonstrate it.
Example #
A participant commits to delivering a community presentation by the end of the module.
Practical application #
Review contracts at each session to track progress and adjust support.
Challenges #
Ensuring contracts are realistic and not overly prescriptive.
Learning Objectives – Specific, measurable statements describing desired… #
Learning Objectives – Specific, measurable statements describing desired knowledge, skills, or attitudes after a session.
Example #
“Participants will be able to map stakeholder influence using a power‑interest grid.”
Practical application #
Align activities, assessments, and feedback to each objective.
Challenges #
Over‑generalising objectives, leading to vague outcomes.
Leadership – The ability to influence, inspire, and guide individuals or… #
Leadership – The ability to influence, inspire, and guide individuals or groups toward a common purpose.
Example #
A facilitator models collaborative leadership by inviting co‑facilitation.
Practical application #
Rotate facilitation responsibilities to develop emerging leaders.
Challenges #
Managing ego and ensuring leadership does not become hierarchical.
Mentoring – A developmental relationship where an experienced individual… #
Mentoring – A developmental relationship where an experienced individual supports the growth of a less experienced person.
Example #
A senior activist mentors a newcomer on effective lobbying techniques.
Practical application #
Pair participants in a mentorship matrix based on complementary skills.
Challenges #
Maintaining boundaries and avoiding dependency.
Nonviolent Communication – A communication framework that emphasizes obse… #
Nonviolent Communication – A communication framework that emphasizes observation, feeling, need, and request to foster empathy.
Example #
Reframing a critique as “I notice… I feel… because I value… would you consider…?”
Practical application #
Teach the NVC template and practice it in role‑plays.
Challenges #
Habitual language patterns may resist change.
Participatory Evaluation – An evaluation approach that actively involves… #
Participatory Evaluation – An evaluation approach that actively involves stakeholders in defining criteria, collecting data, and interpreting results.
Example #
Group members design the survey questions used to assess a community garden project.
Practical application #
Conduct a “reflection circle” after each milestone to gather evaluative insights.
Challenges #
Balancing methodological rigour with inclusive participation.
Power Dynamics – The distribution and exercise of authority, influence, a… #
Power Dynamics – The distribution and exercise of authority, influence, and control within a group.
Example #
Recognising that a local politician’s presence may suppress dissenting voices.
Practical application #
Use anonymous voting to level power imbalances during decision‑making.
Challenges #
Uncovering hidden power structures and addressing them without alienating key allies.
Reflection – The intentional process of thinking about experiences, emoti… #
Reflection – The intentional process of thinking about experiences, emotions, and learning to derive meaning.
Example #
Participants journal about how their personal values align with the campaign’s mission.
Practical application #
Allocate five minutes at the end of each session for silent reflection.
Challenges #
Facilitating depth without causing overwhelm.
Resilience – The capacity to recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of ad… #
Resilience – The capacity to recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity or change.
Example #
A community group rebounds after a policy setback by revising tactics.
Practical application #
Incorporate resilience‑building exercises such as scenario planning.
Challenges #
Avoiding “burnout” while encouraging perseverance.
Scaling – The process of expanding an initiative’s reach, impact, or size… #
Scaling – The process of expanding an initiative’s reach, impact, or size while maintaining effectiveness.
Example #
Adapting a successful youth mentorship model from one city to several others.
Practical application #
Develop a “scaling kit” that includes guidelines, templates, and training modules.
Challenges #
Preserving core values and quality during rapid growth.
Example #
Using a “dot‑vote” to select the next community project focus.
Practical application #
Establish clear decision‑making protocols at the outset.
Challenges #
Managing lengthy deliberations and potential deadlocks.
Stakeholder Engagement – The systematic involvement of individuals or gro… #
Stakeholder Engagement – The systematic involvement of individuals or groups who have an interest in the outcome.
Example #
Conducting focus groups with local residents before launching a public‑space redesign.
Practical application #
Create a stakeholder map and schedule regular check‑ins.
Challenges #
Balancing competing stakeholder priorities and expectations.
Synergy – The enhanced result that occurs when combined efforts produce o… #
Synergy – The enhanced result that occurs when combined efforts produce outcomes greater than the sum of individual contributions.
Example #
When a legal aid team and a health advocacy group co‑author a policy brief, the influence is amplified.
Practical application #
Facilitate joint brainstorming sessions to surface intersecting expertise.
Challenges #
Preventing “groupthink” that can diminish creative tension.
Systemic Thinking – An analytical approach that views problems as part of… #
Systemic Thinking – An analytical approach that views problems as part of interrelated systems rather than isolated events.
Example #
Understanding how housing policy, employment, and education intersect to affect homelessness.
Practical application #
Use causal‑loop diagrams during coaching to map system relationships.
Challenges #
Managing complexity and avoiding analysis paralysis.
Transformation – Deep, lasting change in attitudes, behaviours, structure… #
Transformation – Deep, lasting change in attitudes, behaviours, structures, or societal norms.
Example #
Shifting community perceptions from seeing waste as a problem to viewing it as a resource.
Practical application #
Set long‑term milestones that track shifts in cultural narratives.
Challenges #
Measuring intangible changes and maintaining momentum.
Values Alignment – The process of ensuring that personal, group, and orga… #
Values Alignment – The process of ensuring that personal, group, and organisational values are congruent.
Example #
Verifying that a partner NGO’s commitment to gender equity aligns with the group’s core values.
Practical application #
Conduct a values‑mapping exercise at the beginning of the program.
Challenges #
Addressing hidden value conflicts that surface later.
Visioning – The intentional act of imagining and articulating a compellin… #
Visioning – The intentional act of imagining and articulating a compelling future scenario.
Example #
Crafting a narrative of a city where all residents have equitable access to clean water.
Practical application #
Guide participants through a guided imagery exercise to surface vivid images.
Challenges #
Preventing vision from becoming overly abstract without actionable steps.
Wishes – Expressed hopes or desires that can serve as a starting point fo… #
Wishes – Expressed hopes or desires that can serve as a starting point for goal‑setting and planning.
Example #
Participants write down three wishes they have for their community’s future.
Practical application #
Cluster wishes into thematic areas to identify priority focus zones.
Challenges #
Translating wishes into realistic, measurable objectives.
Action Planning – The development of concrete steps, responsibilities, ti… #
Action Planning – The development of concrete steps, responsibilities, timelines, and resources needed to achieve goals.
Example #
A group outlines tasks, assigns leads, and sets deadlines for a voter‑education campaign.
Practical application #
Use a “SMART” template to ensure actions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time‑bound.
Challenges #
Over‑ambitious planning and insufficient monitoring.
Facilitative Questioning – The use of open‑ended, purposeful questions to… #
Facilitative Questioning – The use of open‑ended, purposeful questions to stimulate reflection, insight, and ownership.
Example #
Asking “What possibilities emerge if you remove this constraint?” to expand thinking.
Practical application #
Keep a question bank and select prompts aligned with session objectives.
Challenges #
Avoiding leading questions that limit participant agency.
Group Contract – A mutually agreed set of expectations regarding particip… #
Group Contract – A mutually agreed set of expectations regarding participation, confidentiality, and responsibilities.
Example #
Participants sign a contract committing to respectful dialogue and timely attendance.
Practical application #
Review the contract at the start of each module to reinforce commitments.
Challenges #
Enforcing the contract without creating a punitive atmosphere.
Power Mapping – A visual tool that identifies individuals or organisation… #
Power Mapping – A visual tool that identifies individuals or organisations with influence over a specific issue.
Example #
Plotting local council members, media outlets, and community leaders on a power‑interest matrix.
Practical application #
Use coloured stickers to denote levels of influence and interest.
Challenges #
Accurately assessing informal power structures.
Reflective Supervision – A supervisory approach that focuses on the facil… #
Reflective Supervision – A supervisory approach that focuses on the facilitator’s inner experience, emotions, and professional growth.
Example #
A facilitator explores feelings of frustration after a difficult group session with a supervisor.
Practical application #
Schedule regular reflective supervision sessions with guided prompts.
Challenges #
Balancing reflective depth with practical problem‑solving.
Social‑Justice Lens – An analytical perspective that foregrounds equity,… #
Social‑Justice Lens – An analytical perspective that foregrounds equity, rights, and systemic oppression in decision‑making.
Example #
Evaluating a program’s impact on marginalized populations before scaling.
Practical application #
Incorporate equity checkpoints into each phase of the coaching cycle.
Challenges #
Navigating resistance from stakeholders unfamiliar with justice‑oriented approaches.
Storytelling – The use of narrative to convey experiences, values, and vi… #
Storytelling – The use of narrative to convey experiences, values, and visions in a compelling manner.
Example #
Participants share personal anecdotes that illustrate the impact of community policing reforms.
Practical application #
Allocate time for “story circles” where each member narrates a pivotal moment.
Challenges #
Ensuring stories are authentic and not overly dramatized.
Systems Change – The deliberate effort to alter the underlying structures… #
Systems Change – The deliberate effort to alter the underlying structures, policies, and cultural norms that sustain social problems.
Example #
Campaigning to modify zoning laws that perpetuate segregation.
Practical application #
Map the system, identify leverage points, and design interventions targeting those points.
Challenges #
Long time horizons and resistance from entrenched interests.
Team Building – Activities and processes aimed at strengthening interpers… #
Team Building – Activities and processes aimed at strengthening interpersonal relationships, trust, and collaborative capacity.
Example #
A “human knot” exercise that requires participants to untangle themselves without speaking.
Practical application #
Debrief after each activity to link experiences to group objectives.
Challenges #
Cultural appropriateness and varying comfort levels with physical activities.
Transformational Coaching – A coaching approach that seeks profound inner… #
Transformational Coaching – A coaching approach that seeks profound inner change, aligning personal purpose with collective action.
Example #
Guiding participants to uncover personal narratives that fuel their commitment to climate justice.
Practical application #
Use powerful questions that tap into identity, meaning, and values.
Challenges #
Managing emotional intensity and ensuring safe boundaries.
Vision Alignment – The process of synchronising individual aspirations wi… #
Vision Alignment – The process of synchronising individual aspirations with the group’s collective vision.
Example #
Aligning a participant’s desire to develop digital media skills with the group’s plan to launch an online campaign.
Practical application #
Conduct a “vision‑fit” exercise where each member maps personal goals onto the group vision.
Challenges #
Reconciling divergent personal ambitions with limited resources.
Watch‑Dog Role – A designated participant who monitors adherence to group… #
Watch‑Dog Role – A designated participant who monitors adherence to group norms, ethics, and time‑keeping.
Example #
A member signals when discussion exceeds the allotted time, prompting a gentle reminder.
Practical application #
Rotate the watch‑dog role each session to share responsibility.
Challenges #
Avoiding perception of policing or power struggles.
Zero‑Based Planning – A budgeting and planning method that starts each cy… #
Zero‑Based Planning – A budgeting and planning method that starts each cycle from a “zero” baseline, justifying all activities anew.
Example #
Re‑evaluating all planned activities for a community health initiative before each quarter.
Practical application #
Require each team to present a cost‑benefit analysis for each proposed action.
Challenges #
Time‑intensive and potential resistance from those accustomed to incremental budgeting.