Coaching
Overcoming a challenge
Activities
What to pay attention to?
Introduction – 15 min
Getting to Know Each Other / Arriving
Each group member selects one metaphor card through which they will speak
(The topic is chosen by the session facilitator)
Each participant 1–2 minutes, total 10 min
- The facilitator presents the topic to be shared with others. The topic depends on whether the group is meeting for the first time or not.
For example: introduce yourself through a metaphor card, describe how you’re feeling today, your main strength, share a recent success, etc.
Agree on the Case Owner
That is, the group member whose success story will be the focus
2 min
- The group agrees on how to choose the case owner.
It’s important that across different coaching sessions, each member gets the opportunity to be in the spotlight.
Basic Agreements for Mutual Communication
In group coaching, it’s important that all members agree on shared basic principles that frame their meetings.
These four agreements help ensure a safe and guided process. Additional agreements can be added if needed.
Confidentiality
Respecting time limits
Appreciative attitude toward one another
Sharing ideas, not giving expert “advice”
3 min
Confidentiality: Group members do not speak about the discussed topics outside the group.
Respecting time limits: Everyone is responsible for keeping to the schedule. If each person has 2 minutes to speak, it must be respected. New agreements can be made if necessary, but in that case, the session will take longer.
Appreciative attitude: Accepting different experiences and solutions. Members don’t have to agree or see things the same way. The case owner does not evaluate or judge others’ ideas—just thanks them.
Sharing ideas (not advice): Members introduce their solutions with phrases like “My next step could be…”—sharing their thoughts as if they were in the same situation, instead of directing others. The case owner listens and can use or leave out suggestions as they see fit.
Main Process – Facilitated Group Discussion 45 min
Describing the Challenge
The case owner briefly explains their challenge and writes a question in the group chat for which they are seeking solutions.
4 min
- The case owner explains why the situation is difficult for them—how long it has lasted, when it started, who is involved, what they’ve already tried to resolve it, etc.
- After describing the situation, the case owner formulates a question to the group for this session.
The question could begin with “How…” or “What…” to help group members later share how they would approach the situation.
Group Members’ Questions
Clicking on each card reveals questions.
5 min
5 min
5 min
- Group members ask the case owner questions. There are three rounds of questions, each lasting 5 minutes.
- One group member asks one question at a time. After receiving an answer, they say “Thank you” and the turn moves to the next person.
- The case owner doesn’t have to answer every question. If they don’t know or aren’t ready, they can say something like “I can’t answer that right now.”
Note:
– The questions on the cards are for inspiration and may be modified.
– If you have your own question, feel free to ask it (just make sure it’s not a hidden suggestion).
– If the card has two questions, ask the first one first, and after the response, move to the second.
Group Members’ Solutions
Part I
Group members discuss what could be done to find the solution.
The case owner listens without commenting.
7 min
Part II
Group members write in the chat what they would do to find a solution, starting their response with: “I would…”
5 min
- The facilitator reminds the group of the case owner’s question and invites them to brainstorm freely.
The case owner listens silently. - After the brainstorming, each group member writes their individual suggestion silently in the group chat.
- No one reads aloud until everyone has finished writing.
- Once all are ready, each member reads their message aloud, beginning with: “I would…”
- The case owner replies to each one with: “Thank you.
Case Owner’s Summary
The case owner says: “My key insight and next step is…”
3 min
- The facilitator invites the case owner to thank the group once more for their ideas and engagement.
- The case owner reflects silently on the received input and doesn’t comment.
- The facilitator asks them to briefly share the main takeaway from the session and the next step they could take toward their goal.
Group Members’ Feedback
Group members write in the chat why they believe the case owner will reach their goal, highlighting their strengths.
5 min
- The facilitator asks the group to describe the case owner’s strengths and resources, and what they sensed during the session.
- Once everyone is ready, the group members read their feedback aloud.
Closing Circle
6 min
Group members share what they found useful and will take with them from the session.
- The facilitator can give everyone 1 minute for reflection and personal note-taking.
- It’s important that no more advice is given to the case owner at this stage—the session ends here.
