Group Coaching Vs. Team Coaching
“Wait… I didn’t realize there were so many types of coaching.”
That’s what someone told me recently at a Coffee & Connect.
And they’re right, it can get confusing.
So let’s break it down:
Most people are familiar with 1:1 coaching.
You and your coach. Focused growth. New awareness. You know the drill.
But there’s also 1-to-many coaching, where the magic happens not just in the reflection with the coach, but in the shared learning with others.
And in that world, there are two main paths:
Group Coaching
(Some call it a Mastermind, Learning pod...)
Group coaching brings together people who share a common interest yet have their own personal development goals, whether it’s career development, cross-functional leadership roles, or the experience of being a startup founder.
They come together to learn, reflect, share challenges and best practices, and grow.
What makes it a Group Coaching? A coach who empowers the group to take the lead in the learning process (as I always say - pass the ball to the other side.) It’s a proactive experience, not a passive one.
➡️ Bottom Line: Like in 1:1 coaching, there’s an individual development goal.
But here, it’s supported by a peer group and facilitated by a coach.
Team Coaching
This is for a team that wants to move from good to great. The team decides on a shared goal that everyone aims to achieve together.
We examine the team behaviors and consider what makes each of us act the way we do in this group. What needs to stop, change, or keep going?
To get there, the team has to create awareness and understand the WE (a new mindset) while also understanding and honoring each individual within it.
It’s complex. Wonderful. And yes, complex.
➡️ Bottom Line: It’s about the team outcomes while honoring the individuals within it.
I hope it helps to clear up some of the mystery.
Still wondering which kind of coaching makes the most sense for you or your team?
I’d recommend talking with someone who will ask the right questions, really listen, and take time to understand what matters most, so the approach actually fits your needs.
This isn’t a cookie-cutter decision. The right solution should reflect your people, your goals, and your stage of growth.
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