How to Start a Strengths Group in Your Area

start strengths group connecting coaches

Do you want to connect with Strengths Coaches near you? Connecting with other coaches provides mutual support, opportunities for learning and inspiration to improve what you do. Meeting in person creates another level of personal connection to share and work together. Where is your nearest Strengths group?

How can you find coaches near you?

The virtual world crosses geographical boundaries making it hard to find others in your area. Here are some suggestions to help form your own group. Why not create a Strengths Group with a friend?

Check for existing Strengths groups near you.

There may be others wanting to connect who have already posted on Facebook or LinkedIn. Search for your city, state, region and country. Also, check the regional groups in Strengths Resources.

If there is an existing group, you can add your support. On the other hand, if there is nothing, this is your opportunity to start a group.

How do you start a Strengths group?

When looking for strengths coaches near you, those responding will need a place to connect. The easiest option is to create a Facebook group for people to join. When you have a few members, the conversations will begin to flow.

Creating a Facebook group

In Facebook, go to the Groups section and click on Create New Group. It’s as easy as that!

Choose a name carefully for the group that will attract the right people. You are looking for Strengths Coaches who live in a certain area. For example New England Strengths Group, Australia and New Zealand Strengths Community, Dallas Strengths Coaches or Strengths Scotland. Consider also the correct use of the words CliftonStrengths^® and StrengthsFinder^®.

Add a headline picture that resembles your area. Choose a map outline, the regional flag, a well-known landmark or something local people will instantly recognize. Write a description for the group inviting Strengths coaches for the catchment area. Also, check the security and visibility settings so there is some control over the membership.

In the new member joining questions, you may want to ask for their town/city location as this will help to maintain the integrity of the group. You’ll be surprised at how many people want to join every group available, regardless of who it is for.

When your Facebook group is ready, start inviting local coaches. Browse the Gallup Coaching Directory for coaches to invite.

Do get in touch with Richard Sterry to add your group to the list in Strengths Resources. This will help to promote your group to a wider audience.

Your first meet up

When the conversations are flowing, ask if there is an appetite to meet up. You could connect initially by Zoom, and then later arrange an in-person event. It could be a s imple as getting together for a coffee or a meal.

Often the most challenging aspect of an in-person meet-up is the venue. Start small with a coffee shop or a bar, then as things progress see if there is a private room you can use.

Think about what you all want from the group. As coaches introduce themselves, sharing what they can offer and what they would appreciate, will add to the conversations.

Finally, take pictures to add to your Facebook group that will encourage others to join you. Try to set up regular events to keep the group alive, even if it is once a quarter or every six months.

Keep the conversations going

Getting a new group off the ground is one thing, keeping it going requires a different perspective. Partner with others in the group to share the load and maintain the momentum.