Virtual group coaching seminars can be an effective way to bring professionals from various backgrounds together to share knowledge and insights with the help of a coach. Ever since the pandemic made in-person gatherings more challenging, these virtual events have become increasingly popular. As professional organizational coaches know, the key to a great virtual group coaching seminar is planning an engaging event that is well-thought-out and valuable to the audience.
Below, 14 Forbes Coaches Council members share great ideas for virtual group coaching seminars tailored toward specific areas of focus and also explain who would benefit most from this type of engagement. Follow their advice to plan an online coaching group event that will help attendees develop new skills, foster collaboration and expand their professional networks.
Members pictured from left to right.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Communicating Effectively And Becoming Self-Aware (For Young Professionals)
A virtual group coaching seminar on effective communication and self-awareness can help young professionals build their communication skills and confidence. Participants can learn and gain insight from one another while the coach provides guidance, direction and feedback. These skills, which increase understanding of how to communicate more effectively with others, are essential to career success. - Tinna Jackson, Jackson Consulting Group, LLC
2. Building A Successful Business (For Entrepreneurs And Small-Business Owners)
This type of seminar would benefit entrepreneurs and small-business owners who are looking to build their businesses, learn new strategies, gain insights and network with individuals. Participants could engage in interactive activities and discussions. - Jennifer Carrasco, Jennifer Carrasco EOS Implementer
3. Understanding Diversity Of Thought (For Team Members)
When focusing on areas that will assist the team in becoming high-performing, having an understanding of each member’s uniqueness in how they operate, think and communicate can assist in enhancing results. Have the entire team participate and use assessments, such as the Gallup StrengthsFinder, DISC and others, to assist in providing an objective framework. - Bryan Powell, Executive Coaching Space
4. Finding Individual Coaching Goals (For Group Members)
Coaching is never done in a group. Coaching is about behavioral change, and by definition, that is individually driven. You could, however, challenge people to find their coaching goals in a group environment. Especially within a company, this would be very valuable. Let them organize in groups and ask each other, “What do I do well, what should I improve and what should I stop doing immediately?” - Arvid Buit, TRUE Leadership
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
5. Finding Your ‘Red Threads’ (For New Professionals)
A seminar focused on finding your “red threads”—those activities and tasks that bring you energy—would help new professionals develop a greater understanding of where they shine and how to grow their careers. Marcus Buckingham’s site has great content to share, which will engage participants in studying themselves to find clues that help them adjust their careers accordingly. - Jill Helmer, Jill Helmer Consulting
6. Exploring The Tech Industry (For Career Changers)
One idea for a virtual group coaching seminar is “Exploring the Tech Industry” for career changers with a focus on academic learners and military veterans. Shifting or starting a new career can be a complicated time in our lives. During this seminar, we could partner career coaches and mentors with career changers to help them translate their experience and identify their transferable skills. - Jay Garcia, Jay Garcia Group
7. Training With Colleagues Who Work Out In The Field (For Those In HQ)
Let those working out in the field teach those in the “main” office. Unfortunately, a lot of training comes from the main hub to the front-line troops, so to speak. This headquarters-to-the-field level of training is expected—but turn the tables. Get your field operators teaching HQ how things really are, and your CEO won’t have to book an episode on Undercover Boss anytime soon! - John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
8. Breaking Down Silos (For Colleagues With Different Functions And Locations)
Breaking down silos is a very common and real pain point for many employees regardless of what type of organization they work for. Gathering together colleagues from different functions and locations virtually will help build the foundation for more effective collaboration. - Michele Cohen, Lead to Growth Coaching
9. Building Inclusive Leaders (For Aspiring Leaders And People Managers)
One exciting and insightful group coaching session I facilitate focuses on building inclusive leaders who are encouraged, equipped and supported to reproduce the same in their organizations. This is ideal for aspiring leaders and people managers who are increasing their self-awareness, embracing their identity and mastering how to leverage their power. - Dr. Flo Falayi, Korn Ferry
10. Virtual ‘Speed-Date’ Networking (For Unfamiliar Participants)
Consider virtual “speed dating” to help a new group of individuals acclimate and create bonds quickly. Set up private, two-person, virtual breakout rooms. Allow ten minutes for the teams to get to know each other by answering two to three specific questions provided by the moderator. Use a combination of questions that are personal and professional. Have participants debrief the experience together in the larger group. - Brian Houp, ReZone Executive Leadership Coaching
11. Learning How To Read People’s Expressions (For Remote Workers)
So much is written about body language and other gestures for in-person work, but the research is still being gathered for the virtual space. I have facilitated group sessions where participants go on mute and I privately message individuals to react in a certain way. Then, the floor is opened to interpret the reaction. It is a blast! - Lawrence Henderson, BOSS Consulting
12. Navigating Remote Work And Collaboration (For Remote Teams And Managers)
One great idea for a virtual group coaching seminar would be “Navigating Remote Work and Collaboration” for remote teams and managers. This seminar would focus on best practices for communication, project management and building a cohesive team dynamic while working remotely. Professionals in the tech industry or remote teams would benefit most from this type of engagement. - Jonathan H. Westover, Human Capital Innovations, LLC
13. ‘Advancing Your Career’ Bootcamp (For Early-Career Professionals)
There are a lot of early-career professionals experiencing job uncertainty, so a “career advancement bootcamp” would create a framework for them to set specific career goals. Through exercises, group discussions and one-on-one feedback, participants develop a clear action plan. The seminar includes guest speakers, networking opportunities and job-search preparation to provide them with resources. - Savannah Rayat, Rayat Leadership Coaching
14. Improving Pitches With ‘Would-Be Customers’ (For Sales Professionals)
In my group coaching with sales professionals, we often invite “would-be customers” to join the discussion and hear from the sales professionals on why they should change suppliers or vendors. Think of it as Dragons’ Den (a BBC program that is similar to Shark Tank in the U.S.), but designed to get honest and timely feedback to help sales professionals improve their dialogue with prospects. - Shawn Casemore, Casemore and Co. Inc.
