The Power of Individual Intentions in Group Coaching Sessions

In group coaching programs, one of the most transformative practices we can offer participants is the opportunity to set clear intentions. Whether it is at the start of a session or after co-creating a theme together, intention setting allows each person to anchor their experience in meaning and purpose. Let’s dive into why intention setting is critical at three levels: for the group as a whole, for each individual, and as part of the session’s closure.

Setting a Theme for Each Group Coaching Session

At the heart of every effective group coaching session is co-creation. Co-establishing a theme at the beginning of a session creates a unified sense of purpose. It ensures that participants are moving in the same direction while still maintaining their individuality. When participants contribute to shaping the theme, they feel a sense of ownership. The session becomes less about a passive experience and more about active, intentional engagement.

Without a shared theme, conversations can feel scattered. Participants may leave feeling like they touched many topics but never explored one deeply. A collective theme invites the group to dig deeper, learn from each other, and generate richer insights.

Example: Suppose your group’s co-created theme for the session is "Leading through Uncertainty." Every conversation, breakout session, or reflection now ties back to that theme, offering a thread of continuity and deeper exploration. For instance, you might notice participants sharing personal strategies they use to navigate ambiguity, enriching the conversation for everyone.

Individual Intentions in Group Coaching Sessions

While a collective theme sets the tone, each participant’s personal intention ensures that the experience is individually meaningful. Group coaching is not one-size-fits-all. Every participant arrives with different needs, aspirations, and challenges. Asking participants to set an individual intention personalizes the group experience without taking away from the shared journey.

When someone sets an intention, they claim agency over their learning. Instead of waiting for insights to happen, they actively participate, seeking connections between the group conversation and their personal development goals.

Example: During a session themed around "Leading through Uncertainty," one participant’s intention might be "to practice staying calm when plans change," while another might set an intention "to better support my team through ambiguity." Both are aligned with the broader theme but deeply personal to the individual’s growth path.

Check In with Intentions at the End of Your Group Coaching Session

Checking in with intentions at the end of a group coaching session serves two powerful purposes. First, it encourages reflection. Participants can see how far they have come in just one session, creating a sense of accomplishment and momentum. Second, it builds accountability. By revisiting intentions, participants are reminded that growth is an ongoing process, not just a one-time conversation.

Without this step, the energy generated during the group coaching session can easily dissipate. Participants might feel inspired in the moment but forget to apply their insights afterward. A simple check-in helps solidify their learning and prompts them to carry it forward.

Example: You might close the group coaching session by asking, "Looking back at the intention you set today, what progress did you notice?" A participant who set the intention to "stay calm under pressure" might realize they caught themselves in a moment of tension and choose to breathe and listen instead of reacting.

Two Ways to Guide Intention Setting in Group Coaching Sessions

Depending on how you open your session, there are two main opportunities to ask participants to set an intention.

1. At the Start of the Session (When the Theme Is Already Set)

If you have already defined the theme for the session in advance, you can invite participants to set their intention at the very beginning. After welcoming the group and introducing the theme, pause and say:

"Take two minutes to reflect quietly: What is your personal intention for today’s session? What would you like to leave with at the end of our time together?"

Then invite participants to add their intention to the chat. This simple act creates a visible commitment they can refer back to later.

2. After Co-creating the Theme

If you prefer a more emergent approach, spend time co-creating the theme with the group first. Once the theme has been agreed upon, guide participants to pause and personalize it:

"Now that we have our theme, take two minutes to consider: What is your personal intention around this theme? What do you want to get out of today’s session?"

Again, ask them to share it in the chat for reference.

Setting aside just two minutes for this exercise pays dividends. It invites reflection right from the start, sets the tone for deeper engagement, and gives participants a sense of direction and ownership over their experience in the group coaching session.

Wrapping It All Together

In group coaching, intentionality is a powerful catalyst for transformation. By setting a group theme, you align participants in a shared journey. By asking each individual to set a personal intention, you deepen their connection to the work. By revisiting those intentions at the end of your group coaching session, you anchor insights and fuel ongoing growth.

Next time you lead a session, experiment with intention setting. You may find that a few moments of reflection at the beginning and end can dramatically amplify the impact of your coaching.

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