According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people working from home tripled to 27.6 million in 2021. With many workers reluctant to return to the office since the pandemic, leading remote teams is the new normal for many managers.
This poses extra challenges as well as opportunities. One survey found that workers are about 20% happier working from home. Happier workers can make more effective and productive team members. But how can you harness the benefits of remote teams while avoiding the pitfalls?
Group coaching is the answer. So let’s explore how it can help.
Build Trust and Encourage Communication
Remote working can cut down those small interactions that naturally occur in the office and help teams to bond. Group coaching can help team members connect and learn to collaborate as effectively as if they were in the office together.
Coaching sessions may include guided discussions and activities. They can help coworkers to express themselves and practice their active listening skills. They can build trust and share ideas more effectively as they get to know each other better.
Group coaching can also be an excellent opportunity to overcome existing conflicts within the team. The strategies demonstrated in the session can help team members to express themselves and have the courage to disagree while maintaining a positive, friendly atmosphere
Increase Accountability
When you can’t see each other working away at the neighboring desk, questions can always arise about accountability. Group coaching can help by establishing group goals and making each team member accountable for achieving them.
As your team grows in trust, team members can hold each other accountable. This includes providing mutual support so that the entire team succeeds together.
Encourage Creativity
For teams and organizations to move forward, a free flow of ideas is essential. In teams where there are communication challenges or frequent conflict, this creative flow will be stifled. Group coaching can foster the kind of collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged freely. When teams know how to manage conflict and embrace change, they can identify and address areas for improvement without fear.
Develop Skills
Group coaching for remote teams can be tailored to meet your needs. This could include sessions focusing on:
- Leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Effective collaboration
These skills are essential in the modern workplace. We’re all adjusting to new normals and innovative ways of working, and that’s not going to change any time soon. The best teams are flexible, resilient, and embrace change. Group coaching can help you keep your team moving forward together, ensuring you retain the best talent for your organization.
Strengthen Your Remote Team With Group Coaching
Remote teams are becoming the new normal. With good communication, genuine accountability, and empathic leadership, they can be highly successful.
At Aden Leadership, our group coaching sessions help team members learn to be present, have courageous conversations, and focus on what’s truly important, whether working in-person or remotely. Schedule a discovery call with Greg today to learn more about group coaching for your remote team.
