Welcome back to our coaching series! So far we’ve talked about what a coach is and how to know if it’s time to start working with one, and you heard from one of my coaching clients inside of my program Prioritize and Thrive about what working with me as her coach has been like firsthand.
Today we’ll explore the difference between group coaching and working with someone 1:1 so that you can determine which is right for you.
Psst! Don’t forget to submit your questions about working with a coach! Leave me a voice note with your question and I’ll answer it in the closing episode of this series.
What Type of Personal Attention Do You Want?
Many people opt for 1:1 coaching because they want a high level of personal attention. It’s true that working with a coach 1:1 will guarantee that you get their full attention during the calls as you’re their only client!
However, something to consider is how comfortable you are opening up to someone in a 1:1 setting. If you think it will take you a while to feel comfortable speaking to someone and having all of their attention on you the entire time, then group coaching could be a better option for you.
With group coaching it’s a common misconception that you won’t get a lot of personalized attention. My clients can tell you that inside of our group coaching calls, everyone leaves with exactly what they need- even when they don’t ask a question.
The important thing to do here if you’re unsure about the amount of attention you’ll get during group coaching calls is to reach out to the coach running the group program and ask. The coach you’re considering working with should be more than happy to clarify and answer any questions you may have.
On group calls inside of my program, anyone who asks a question gets personalized attention during the call AND they get the attention and encouragement of fellow members of the group which enhances the experience for us all.
There really is no right or wrong answer here.
My suggestion is rather than think about how MUCH personal attention you’re getting, think about the quality of that attention. Does it feel better to have one person meeting you where you are to coach you? Or would you feel more supported being in a community setting where you can choose whether to engage or sit back and receive depending on what you’re currently moving through? Both are great, consider what works for you.
How Much Money Would You Like to Invest?
Let’s get this part out the way up front as well. Paying for 1:1 coaching tends to be a much higher investment than paying for a spot in a group program.
If you’re planning to work with someone 1:1 you’re more than likely going to spend over one thousand dollars. Most entry-level packages that I know of are around 3k. Many coaches do offer payment plans, so if working with someone 1:1 is what you want, be sure to ask about all the payment options that are available before you count yourself out!
Group coaching programs can also sometimes be over a thousand dollars, it really depends on the coach and how they have chosen to approach their pricing. However, in the coaching industry as a whole, most group programs tend to be a smaller monetary investment than what it would cost to work 1:1 with that coach.
If you’re wondering how my group program is priced it’s $897 when you pay in full, or 12 monthly payments of $89 for 12 months. That includes lifetime access to my signature course, one full year of group coaching, and one full year of access to our private community.
Something else to consider as you’re looking at the monetary investment is how long you’ll be supported. Some coaches charge 3K to work with them for only 3 months, for example. Not that it’s a bad thing, sometimes 3 months is all that you need! But there are other coaches who offer lifetime access to their group programs for that same amount, so be sure to consider all of these elements before you decide where your investment is going to go.
Are You Craving Community?
Another thing to consider is if you’re craving community. Being in a community can be a deeply healing experience within itself. Depending on the change that you want to see happen in your life, which if you remember is the first criterion of hiring a coach, it may be helpful to know that you’re not alone in the process.
If you’re craving community, a group coaching program is a great way to find that. One of my dearest friends, Mel who you heard from back in episode 16, I met from us both being in the same group coaching experience.
I’ve also seen firsthand how supported my clients feel from connecting and being in community with one another.
On the other hand, if you are going through something that feels deeply personal and you wouldn’t want to share with other people, then working with someone 1:1 may be a better option for you.
What Helps You Feel Held Accountable?
Thinking back to episode 21 where we talked about 3 signs that it’s time to hire a coach, one of them was that you want a greater chance at success when it comes to making the change that you want to see in your life.
Accountability can be a huge part of that.
If you know that you’re going to need a lot of accountability and are more likely to show up when you’re the only client and the coach is for sure going to notice if you ghost them, than opting for 1:1 coaching could be the best fit for you.
However, something to be me mindful of here is not allowing your relationship with a 1:1 coach to become co-dependent.
One of the reasons I love coaching in a group is because it requires my clients to take more initiative on their own when it comes to showing up and doing the work.
I DO notice when or if they don’t show up, and I personally reach out to make sure that they know I’m there for them. But I’m not going to be there to hold their hand through the entire process. I expect my clients to have the ability to show up for themselves and engage in the program.
One thing that can help if you want to join a group program but want extra accountability when it comes to showing up, is to invite a friend to join with you!
If you find a program, like Prioritize and Thrive, for example where you know what the program is offering is something that a friend of yours may also benefit from, invite them to join with you- that way you can hold one another accountable, come to coaching calls together, check in on how it’s going with the coursework, etc.
If you DON’T have a friend who can join you, you can also look for an accountability buddy who is already inside of the program! Remember, when you choose group coaching, you’re also choosing community so you never have to go it alone.
With 1:1 coaching, it’s up to you to show up and only the coach will be able to hold you accountable for doing that. So you’ll have to consider which of those options feels better for you.
What Type of Coaching Does Your Dream Coach Offer?
Lastly, part of your decision on whether 1:1 or group coaching is right for you will depend on what type of coaching the person you want to work with offers.
For example, I only offer group coaching through my program Prioritize and Thrive, so if you are looking for a 1:1 coach, I wouldn’t be a good fit for you.
Likewise, you may find a coach who offers 1:1 but doesn’t have a group program.
So taking into consideration everything we’ve covered today, I hope that you’re able to see the benefits of both 1:1 and group coaching containers so that you can work with a coach you resonate with over and above everything else.
Let’s Recap
Here’s what to consider when looking into 1:1 and group coaching offerings:
- What Type of Personal Attention do You Want?
- How Much Money Would You Like to Invest?
- Are You Craving Community?
- What Helps You Feel Held Accountable?
- What Type of Coaching Does Your Dream Coach Offer?
Answering these questions will help you to determine whether 1:1 coaching or group coaching is the right fit for you.
If you’re interested in group coaching and want to know more about my group coaching program, a great place to start is by watching my free training. In it, you’ll learn all about the Priority Mapping Method, which is the core method that I teach inside of my program. The training will not only give you a feel for what my program is like, but you’ll walk away with enough tangible tips to get started on applying the method right away, even if you don’t decide to join.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Ready to FINALLY break free from the pressure of doing “all the things” at once? Check out my GROUP COACHING program, Prioritize and Thrive, HERE.
- Do you have a question about working with a coach? Send me a voice note and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode!
- Love the show? Leave a review!
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