Last week, we hosted our Fall Downshift retreat, and I've been reflecting on the insights that emerged from that experience. I’m moved by the depth of what unfolded—not just for our individual Downshifters, but for the group as a whole. The retreat was full of breakthroughs and revelations that left an impact not only on the participants but on us as facilitators and guides as well.
One key takeaway for me was the layered complexity of group coaching. Group dynamics operate on multiple levels, and as a coach or leader, being aware of these layers can profoundly shape how we engage and facilitate in any group setting. This realization struck me more deeply as I reflected on my experiences with one-on-one coaching compared to group work.
For the past seven years, my focus has primarily been on one-on-one coaching, with occasional group facilitation, but I now feel called to integrate more group work in the coming years. There’s a unique magic and potential in groups, where shared energy and collective insight can lead to powerful transformations. I’ve also participated in countless group experiences, from AA meetings and coaching trainings to men’s groups and beyond, each of which has shown me the rich depth that group work offers.
As I step deeper into this work, I’ve come to see the nuanced differences between group coaching and one-on-one coaching. Group coaching requires heightened awareness and a more refined ability to listen—not just to the words being spoken, but to the unspoken energies, emotions, and patterns that emerge within the group. Reflecting on the retreat, I’ve identified four distinct levels of awareness in group coaching. Understanding these levels allows us to be more present, more responsive, and more effective in supporting individuals and the group as a whole.
- Listening to the Self: The first level of awareness involves tuning in to my own internal experience—the "I" perspective. This includes my thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as I sit within the group container. What am I feeling in this moment? Am I relaxed, tense, energized, or distracted? This self-awareness is crucial because it anchors me in the present moment, allowing me to observe how the group’s energy affects me while discerning my own biases or judgments. By staying grounded in my body and emotions, I can differentiate what belongs to me and what might be a reflection of the group.
- Listening to the Individual: The second level shifts focus to each participant. This involves attuning to what each person is expressing—through their words, body language, emotional tone, and energy. Are they fully engaged or holding back? How are they feeling in this moment? I’m not just listening to the content of their words, but also sensing the emotions and subtleties behind what’s being said. This individual attention helps me understand where each participant is and how best to support them on their journey.
- Listening to the Group: The third level of awareness focuses on the collective energy of the group. What is the overall dynamic? Is there harmony, tension, or resistance? Are there emerging themes that connect the group’s experiences? At this level, I’m attuned to the group’s emotional atmosphere and the unspoken undercurrents that influence its process. Is the group leaning into vulnerability, or are they staying at the surface? This awareness helps me guide the group’s flow and steer them toward deeper engagement or breakthroughs.
- Listening to the Facilitators: The final level of awareness involves tuning into the facilitator team. In this retreat, we had five guides, including myself, and it’s essential to understand how we collaborate to hold the container. As a collective, we bring different strengths, experiences, and perspectives. How are we attuning to each other, to the individuals, and to the group? Are we aligned in our approach and energy? This level of awareness is crucial because the way we, as facilitators, show up affects the entire group. Our ability to co-regulate and collaborate as a hive mind directly impacts the container we’re holding.
Group containers, whether in a coaching retreat or a boardroom meeting, are layered with multiple levels of awareness happening simultaneously. As facilitators, coaches, or leaders, expanding our ability to tune into these different levels of experience allows us to more effectively support individuals and the group process. By cultivating this awareness, we show up more fully, lead more consciously, and create environments where real transformation can take place.
So whether you’re leading a team, facilitating a retreat, or guiding a group in any capacity, I invite you to consider these four levels of awareness. How can you listen more deeply to yourself, to the individuals in the group, to the collective energy, and to your fellow facilitators or leaders? By expanding your awareness, you open up new possibilities for growth, connection, and transformation.