Help Best

71: The Group Coaching Trial


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"Introducing the 6-Week Sprint: A New Group Coaching Test"

“Today, I’m going to walk you through an exciting new experiment we’re running for the next six weeks—our 6-week sprint. This is a new approach to group coaching that focuses on improving NOB attainment and speed to NOB for our yellow avatar clients. We’ve learned a lot from previous tests, and I’m excited to share how we’re adapting and what this means for you as mentors.”

“In September, we tested small-group mentorship with five cohorts. Unfortunately, the results were inconsistent, and while some groups saw improvement, others went backward. In some cases, the clients didn’t pair well, or I selected the wrong clients. The truth is, the green clients—those already succeeding—did well in a group setting, but the yellow clients didn’t improve at the speed we hoped. So, we’re pivoting.”

"Our goal now is to support yellow avatar clients more effectively—especially in terms of taking action and improving their NOB, while also providing value to all our clients during this test phase."

"Why the Group Coaching Test is Changing"

“We’ve learned that the green clients—those who are already doing well—don’t need a change in their model. They thrive with the current 1:1 mentorship. But yellow avatars need something different: more touchpoints and more accountability. The goal is to increase speed to NOB for these clients, and that’s where the group coaching model comes in.”

“In our previous test, we found that small-group coaching helped some clients, but it didn’t necessarily lead to better results. This time, we’re refining the test: no more small-group mentorship. Instead, we’re providing more frequent Office Hours to give yellow avatars more chances for touchpoints and coaching."

“This is a 6-week sprint that will be a bonus for clients—not a permanent change. The goal is to help yellow avatars take action, reduce mentor-client communication issues, and provide more value.”

"What We’re Testing: New Office Hours"

“Starting March 17, we’ll run three new Office Hours every week to give clients more access to us and provide more support in real-time. We’re making sure the schedule fits across time zones: one for Europe, one for Australia, and one for North America. Plus, we’ll continue our rotating Office Hours on Wednesdays.”

  • Structure of Office Hours:
  • Q&A Coaching: A space for clients to ask questions, identify their Next Best Step, and receive coaching.
  • Work Period: Clients can use the time to work through tasks with guidance available.
  • Burning Fires: A space to address urgent challenges and get quick feedback.

Goals for the Test:

  1. Action from Yellow Avatars: We’ll track attendance and compare it with their NOB to see if these extra touchpoints help them take more action.
  2. Reduced Messages to Mentors: This will help alleviate some of the rising concerns around mentor-client communication. Never give out your cell number; clients should be directed to Office Hours or email for communication.
  3. Rate Leveling: Some clients have been left behind on growth rates. This sprint will provide a way for them to catch up and benefit from more frequent coaching.
  4. Coaching and Accountability: Providing more frequent touchpoints to help yellow avatars gain the accountability they need to move forward.

"How This Will Affect You as a Mentor"

“Your role as a mentor won’t change, but this new model is designed to enhance your ability to help yellow avatars. Here’s how you can support the sprint and improve results for your clients.”

Action Steps for Mentors:

  1. Encourage Attendance: “Encourage your yellow avatar clients to attend these sessions. This is an opportunity for them to get extra coaching, identify their next steps, and build momentum.”
  2. Attend the Sessions: “I recommend that you attend a session or two, so you can see how these Office Hours work. This will help you learn how to incorporate some of this accountability and action into your 1:1 calls.”
  3. Talk About It Openly: “Discuss these new Office Hours with your clients in group settings and during calls. Make sure they know it’s a bonus and a special opportunity for this 6-week sprint.”

Conclusion

“This sprint is about improving NOB and speeding up results for our yellow avatars. We’re testing new Office Hours, providing more touchpoints, and reducing communication friction between mentors and clients. It's not a permanent change, but a focused effort to help those who need it most.”

“Make sure your yellow clients know about these Office Hours and encourage them to attend. Let’s focus on getting them into action so they can hit their NOB goals faster.”


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Help BestBy Chris Cooper