Coaching and Leading Diverse Groups

I am an experienced Life Coach, writer, and actor passionate about personal development and storytelling.

I work part-time with a society and school district in British Columbia. I recently designed an eight-week program to support individuals facing challenges such as poverty, addiction, homelessness, mental health issues, abuse, and chronic unemployment.

One key challenge in working with such diverse groups is motivation. My program aims to encourage session attendance and create an environment where meaningful self-reflection and positive change are possible. Some of my approaches differ from the norms of Life Coaching and do not conform to the dynamics of Group work.

Working with a Diverse Audience:

The participants' diverse educational backgrounds, maturity levels, and social experiences are a key challenge in facilitating this program. To address these differences effectively, I reviewed materials from various life coaching and related courses over ten years. Additionally, I utilised AI-based tools to tailor the content to a Grade Six reading level, ensuring accessibility while maintaining intellectual depth.
After this phase, I revised the material again, tailoring it to the group's needs and wants. I also sought input from professionals in relevant fields, refining the materials further based on their comments and suggestions.

The final week of the program is called "Self". This will allow participants to reflect on who they are now and who they aspire to become. This will be the end of the first eight-week program. I will see if this process empowers them to make informed, constructive choices as they move forward.

Each week, we explored a different aspect of the self:

Below is the basic layout of the eight-week program:

• Week One: Self-Esteem
In the Self-Esteem Group, we explore how much you like yourself. We also examine and encourage believing you can do things. The self-esteem group looks at how you feel about yourself and your uniqueness.

• Week Two: Self-Confidence
In the Self-Confidence Group, we examine this topic and an individual's ability to believe in oneself. We also spend a little time looking at the damage of low self-confidence on a person.
We also explore how Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence fit together.

• Week Three: Self-Care
In week three, we explore Self-Care. This exploration will examine how we care for our body, our mind, and, of course, our feelings. This includes knowing when to seek help, how to stay clean and healthy, how to look good, and how to handle tough times.

• Week Four: Self-Reflection
Taking time promotes self-reflection and personal growth. The group will also look at the relationship between the previous topics and self-reflection.

• Week Five: Self-Help
Self-help can be physical skills like getting dressed or taking a bath. They can also involve mental and emotional skills, like knowing when to use the bathroom, being kind to others, and helping at home. Learning these skills is crucial because it allows people to learn and grow.

• Week Six: Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a journey. It is about learning more about yourself to be happier and have a more meaningful life.

Self-discovery is all about experiencing and investigating who you are. It helps you analyse your values and personality. The group may also discover who they are.

• Week Seven: Self-Worth
Self-worth and self-value are similar ideas and are very important for everyone in your group. Self-worth is believing you are important and unique, which is what self-worth means. Self-value means you know you deserve good things. Both help you feel good about yourself and fit well with the previous six weeks.

• Week Eight: SELF
The group will learn about your "Self" / YOU! The group will explore who they are and the world around them. The group will see how all the past seven weeks or sessions gel together.

KEY COMPONENTS

To my colleagues and fellow life coaches, every group has unique dynamics. This requires us to remain flexible. Without this ability to adjust, we risk losing participant engagement, and our sessions will be less effective. You may also risk participants leaving your group or leaving poor reviews.
A fundamental aspect of successful group leadership or coaching is always understanding your group's needs and wants. In my recent experience, I implemented strategies to foster inclusivity and engagement. An example is placing small treats at the centre of the table to create a welcoming atmosphere and introducing unique elements to enhance the group experience.
I prioritised the inclusion of every participant by acknowledging their presence, heritage, and contributions in each session. By highlighting aspects of their character and emphasising their value each week/session, I work to reinforce a supportive and encouraging group dynamic. Recognising and affirming each member enhances their self-worth and strengthens group cohesion, ultimately leading to a more impactful and meaningful coaching experience.

**Some Food for Thought **

People are always interested in topics involving the "Self." Yes, the "self" theory is a highly pertinent topic in group dynamics and coaching. The "Self" encompasses self-awareness and personal development and creates a deeper understanding of one's motivations. It also can help people understand their beliefs and behaviours. These elements are fundamental to personal growth and can be effectively scrutinised and cultivated through structured coaching or group sessions.

As a Group Leader or Life Coach, you should always consider the dynamics within your group or the individuals you seek to attract to your training. Being aware of their needs, challenges and what may motivate the group.