Coachees in a group coaching setting are competing. How can you navigate the tension effectively?

We have an SBA group for Powerteam International, emphasizing a key value: “If you want to go slow, go alone, If you want to go fast, go with a team.” By leveraging each other’s expertise, members can cross-pollinate audiences, create affiliates, establish referral programs, and form joint ventures. A coaching group competing with each other isn’t collaborative; true growth comes through collaboration. It’s crucial to instill a culture of teamwork, highlighting the benefits of working together. Being part of a team accelerates growth more than trying to figure everything out alone.

How well I manage my emotions in the midst of other coaches competing is crucial to ease my tension. Not keeping my emotions on check has a way of affecting my overall productivity and making me feel less of myself so the first thing I'll do is to address my emotions, keep it on check become open to possibilities, and see myself as the best too because how you see yourself in the midst of these other coaches matters alot.

One method I’ve been successful with is to remind the group of the expectations we set as a team and the ground rules that were established about respectful communication and collaboration. As a team the importance of mutual respect and shared goals of learning are important because we must walk the talk we speak. Each coach comes from a different perspective depending on the framework they’re operating on (mobbing, scrum, kanban..) as to what works however active listening and dialogue is needed to overcome the tension. Mediation becomes key in this situation when tensions rise and a conflict requires a constructive resolution. I would encourage the coaches to address the issue directly and find a mutually beneficial solution.

Start by acknowledging and addressing the emotions that arise from competition. Validate their feelings and create a safe space for open discussion. Personal Experience: In one group coaching session, I noticed increasing tension among participants. I organized a dedicated session to openly discuss these emotions, which helped alleviate the tension and build a more supportive atmosphere.

Start by establishing ground rules for respectful communication and collaboration at the beginning of the coaching sessions. Emphasize the importance of mutual support and learning from each other's experiences, rather than viewing the process as a competition. Facilitate activities that encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving, shifting the focus from individual competition to group success. Provide individual feedback privately to minimize direct comparisons among participants. Setting boundaries in group coaching is like refereeing a sports game, everyone plays better when they know the rules. Or, "Let's keep the competition friendly, after all, we're here to build each other up, not audition for a reality show!"

To navigate tension in a competitive group coaching setting, a good coach establishes clear boundaries and expectations from the start. They set ground rules promoting respect, collaboration, and confidentiality. The coach fosters an inclusive environment where each coachee's growth is valued, steering the focus away from competition toward collective progress. Regular check-ins and structured feedback ensure the session stays on track. By maintaining a balanced dynamic, the coach reduces tension and encourages mutual support, making the group coaching process productive for everyone.

Establish clear boundaries and guidelines for group interactions. This helps ensure that the competition remains healthy and constructive. Personal Experience: I introduced a set of group norms that emphasized respect and collaboration. This framework helped manage competitive behaviors and maintain a positive environment.

Setting crisp and clear boundaries is curical in achieving what we are achieving and on the process we need to specific on setting our goals.

Focusing on outcomes might be of help - what is it that the group can only achieve together as opposite to individual efforts and outcomes?

Il peut également être essentiel de leur montrer que les points forts de chacun peuvent être réunis pour aller encore plus loin dans leur travail. Unir les forces est essentiel pour une bonne entente. Chacun à des choses à apporter.

Encourage each coachee to recognize and appreciate their unique strengths and contributions. This helps shift the focus from competition to individual growth. Personal Experience: I conducted an exercise where each participant shared their strengths and achievements. This not only boosted individual confidence but also fostered mutual respect among the group.

Help your team members discover and celebrate their one-of-a-kind strengths and contributions. This mindset switch redirects their energy from competing with others to focusing on personal growth. I tried an exercise where each person shared their strengths and accomplishments, and it was a game-changer! Confidence soared, and the group developed a deeper respect for one another. By acknowledging and valuing individuality, you create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Promote collaborative activities and projects within the group. This helps coachees see the value of working together towards common goals. Personal Experience: I assigned group projects that required collaboration and collective problem-solving. This approach helped coachees build teamwork skills and reduced the focus on competition.

I always remind people and set the tone in all the work that we are all on the same side, that there are no 2 teams or 5 but we are all in the same team. And I always say even before any signs of competition could arise that we are all holding a piece of the puzzle we are having unique gifts and only together can create some really amazing things. I believe the environment compels the way people operate and setting the tone and the parameters very carefully from the beginning can go a long way in fostering collaboration and mutual support over competition.

Making individuals accountable to helping others achieve their goals can be effective in fostering collaboration in groups. If this is a work-based program, set up aspects of this collaboration as criteria of their end-of-year performance evaluations -- if they know they will get positive evaluations for helping others, they will be more likely to see this as a win-win for both sides.

Promote interdependency and authenticity. Work together like a mastermind and work together for a common goal or vision. Lead with character not with ego.

Encourage collaboration by assigning group tasks that require coachees to work together towards a common goal instead of competition. Highlight the value of shared success.

Encourage coachees to set personal goals that align with their individual growth rather than competing with others. This helps them stay focused on their own development. Personal Experience: I guided each coachee in setting personal goals that were meaningful to them. This shifted their focus from outdoing others to achieving their own milestones.

Emphasize common goal that no one in a group will disagree with. Create a safe environment by facilitating a discussion with a set of questions that can allow the group to shift from emotional to rationale state. Do not force the conclusions, rather ask them to give solutions on the account of what they have heard in a group. Working with kids and adults gave me an unique perspective and brought me to the conclusion that the same strategy can be applied in both groups. The key is not to enforce but to reinforce by steering.

A key aspect is where this competition is coming from. While healthy competition drives us to achieve our goals, it also can become toxic, and tension can escalate. To balance this fine line, understanding the dynamics of the competition in the team you are coaching is crucial. Is this competition inherent to single individuals, or is it something created by the team manager or—unconsciously—even you as the coach? Understanding the root cause of competition helps to evaluate and address it properly.

Regularly reflect on the group dynamics and adjust your coaching strategies as needed. Be open to feedback and make changes to improve the group experience. Personal Experience: I conducted regular feedback sessions to understand the group’s dynamics and challenges. This allowed me to make timely adjustments and enhance the overall coaching experience. Here’s What Else to Consider Every group is unique, so tailor these strategies to fit the specific dynamics and needs of your coachees. Flexibility and continuous improvement are key to navigating tension effectively. Want to learn more about managing group dynamics and enhancing your coaching practice? DM me, and let’s connect!

Encourage coachees to reflect on their personal goals and progress rather than comparing themselves to others. Focus on individual growth and self-improvement. Create a safe space for coachees to express their feelings about the competition. Address any concerns or conflicts openly to prevent them from escalating.

The source of competition is crucial to consider. While some competition can motivate us to succeed, too much can lead to harmful tension. To find a balance, it's essential to understand the dynamics of competition within your team. Is it driven by individual ambition or created by the team manager or even your own coaching style? Identifying the root cause helps you address it effectively. By recognizing whether the competition is natural or manufactured, you can take steps to foster a healthy, productive environment that brings out the best in your team members.