This book offers a new perspective on the subconscious and non-verbal processes through which people learn and communicate with each other in groups. Describing these processes in the context of modern organisational life, it provides practical advice about how to do group and team coaching. Introducing key concepts from psychology, group analysis and systems theory, Group and Team Coaching gives practical guidance on core areas of group coaching: team coaching, group supervision, action learning sets and other learning groups. Casting new light on the 'secret life' of groups and teams, it discusses: the invisible processes of group dynamics pitfalls of group coaching and how to avoid them how to design coaching interventions common dilemmas ethics and supervision With many vignettes and case studies, Group and Team Coaching is essential reading for coaches who work with groups and teams.

Table of Contents

Preface. Foreword. PART I. Introduction: What is Group Coaching? PART II. Learning, Holding and Exchange. Looking Deeper: The Secret Life of Groups. Eight Group Factors Influencing Learning and Change. PART III. Understanding Organizations, Groups and Teams: Systems Thinking. PART IV. Team Coaching. Learning Group Coaching. Supervision Groups. PART V. Strategies for Tackling Problem Behaviour. Groups that Do Not Work: Understanding and Tackling Dysfunctional Patterns in Group Behaviour. Managing Beginnings, Middles and Endings: Boundaries of The Group. Afterword. PART VI. Suggested Further Reading. Continuous Professional Development in the Unconscious Dynamics of Groups and Organizations. Frequently Asked Questions.

Author Biography

Christine Thornton is a group analyst and coach who has consulted to individuals, teams and organizations for over 20 years. She holds an MSc in Psychology and is a Member of the Institute of Group Analysis and the British Association for Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Supervision.