Group Coaching during Lockdown

Lockdown in South Africa began at the end of March 2020. As a life coach and business coach, I know the unbelievable power of group coaching. My thoughts were that this is something I could do online to provide a support space for people. Overcoming my “what if no one signs up” feelings, I put the news of the group on social media.

Group coaching usually involves 8-10 people and once the sessions start, new people may not join the group. I received many applications and decided whomever pitched on day 1 is who was meant to pitch.

A group of strangers gathered for that first meeting on Zoom, not really knowing what to expect. Five and a half months later, having met weekly on a Friday morning, those people are certainly no longer strangers.

Although I facilitated and coached the group, from the outset, I was part of the group. I also checked in and shared and was vulnerable. In my other executive coaching, I saw how executives realised that in unprecedented times where there is no blueprint, the hierarchal pyramid is certainly not optimal.  Instead they have learned to adopt a circle that allows different people to lead and to support as needed. I started the "Check in and Chat Group with Colleen" on that basis. We were a circle. We also agreed that we were not there to fix each other and we would operate in a judgement free and confidential space.

We allowed whatever surfaced in the session to be what we worked with and did not have pre-decided themes. During the weeks, each one of us did the roller coaster of emotions. What was interesting is that in any given session, we were not all in the same space on that roller coaster. Now that we have reached Level 1, we are deciding how to move forward. The entire group has requested that we meet in person and share a meal together. It is rather strange to have bonded so strongly with people we may never have met in the non-Zoom world. The non-huggers in the group have promised to hug all of us when we do meet up.

Without compromising confidentiality and posted with permission, I would like to share the group’s feedback on attending "Check in and Chat with Colleen".

•  I did not know what to expect, but I went anyway as I knew the person who referred me would not refer me to nonsense.
• Although we did not know each other, it is possible to draw strength and to support each other.
• I developed as a person.
• We could leverage off each other.
• That I could be alone, but not lonely. We could rely on each other.
• We were able to open up, be vulnerable and authentic.
• Everyone had their turn to crash.
• We all made time every week for this appointment.
• Beneficial and worthwhile.
• I needed these sessions. They kept me sane.
• This was a safe space to speak to strangers.
• Where else would I have gone because there are some things I could not share with family and friends?
• I felt comfortable and could also comfort.
• I became aware that it wasn’t just me being affected by Lockdown.
• I realised that we could be affected differently or the same.
• I was alone and I felt isolated before this group, but here I could bounce ideas.
• My biggest takeaway was Support.
• We each had a meltdown, but there was no judgement.
• Before I bottled how I was feeling, but this was a safe space and I could talk.
• I could talk because there was no judgement.
• I became a better person.
• It was great that I did not have to be strong all the time. I was able to lean when I needed to. 

 We can celebrate that we have reached Lockdown level 1, but there are very few who are unscathed. You may have hairline cracks or gaping fissures that you need to heal. You really need not do this on your own. Support from a group is there for you. Look out for details of my next Group Coaching which will be held twice a month.

Colleen Qvist is a Life Coach, Business Coach, Facilitator and Speaker. She is a COMENSA Master Credentialed Coach. Her company CQ Associates (Pty) Ltd, where she is co-director includes the brands CQ Consulting, The Pink Diamond Club, Discussing Parenting and 44.

Colleen can be reached on +27825503568 and [email protected]

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