Pros and Cons of small group vs. individual sessions for “Disruptive Physicians” and other High Profile Clients.

One of the fundamental choices available to coaching clients is one-on-one coaching versus a small group course. There are many differences between these types of coaching and in the type of experiences you will have with each. However, both types of coaching have a lot to offer; the choice should be made on where you will get the maximum benefit and offers best learning experience.

What Individual Coaching for Physicians and High Profile Clients Offer

Individual coaching is based around a strong relationship between the coach and the individual, and demands a strong interaction between both parties. It includes a great deal of “face time,” often in both the office and via phone contacts. The complete experience is very much a free flow of information to and skill enhancement exercises for the individual and should be designed to be highly focused on the participants needs. Confidentiality is considered to be more secure.

At times the individual coaching experience can seem a little overwhelming because the attention of the coach is fixed firmly on the client but this is what’s needed for the end result to fully develop your skills sets in self-aware, self-control, social awareness and relationship management. These are the core topics of coaching for disruptive behavior.

Executive Group Coaching and Its Benefits

Conversely the use of group coaching offers a very different experience. Joining a group allows each individual to experience a shared experience. And while the techniques and tools used by most coaches will be very similar, individuals not only are aware of how the coaching affects them; they also get to see how it’s affecting other group members. Role playing and peer-supported learning has a number of benefits; it provides a less pressured environment and the group often becomes an extended support network to reinforce the lessons and tools first introduced by the coach. Confidentiality is perceived to be less secure especially among well known surgeons and Medical School Professors.

In Conclusion, Well-Being Committees and Administrators who mandate or refer Physicians, Attorneys and High Profile clients to mandated coaching should be aware of the concerned of those who are candidates for coaching. Individual vs. small group coaching should be carefully explored with the participants before the referral is made.