Communication Tips

Championing the Group: Championing involved celebrating and encouraging who our clients are and
what they want. It means recognizing and praising them for their accomplishments and contributions to
the group. One important distinction is to recognize the difference between championing and
cheerleading. Cheerleading is an emotional reaction or comment that, while may convey excitement, is
usually general and does not necessarily identify a specific accomplishment. Cheerleading may sound
encouraging, but it can be too easy to say something that may not come across as genuine.
Championing, however, provides feedback on a group member’s specific success, strength or action. The
key to championing is CELEBRATION and FEEDBACK.

Keys to championing in a group:

 Encourage participants to celebrate other group members’ successes

 Highlight an individual’s success and remind each member to celebrate themselves
 Base your championing on truth (don’t say something encouraging just to say it)
 Give positive feedback in the moment it happens. “Did everyone hear what David just said?
Wasn’t that a great point?”
 Give positive feedback in terms of your personal opinion or feelings, not as a judgment or
critique. “It was powerful how you took responsibility for your mistake and apologized
immediately.” (opinion) vs. “You handled that situation well.” (judgment)
 Do not over-praise the group or individuals. Avoid inflated language, such as “fantastic” or
“incredible”
 Be specific about what you are encouraging
 Praise, celebrate and provide positive feedback regularly

Use “When, What, How” statements.

Instead of generalizing with always or never, get specific. This can be for a positive statement or
a negative one.
Being specific will make the person feel like you are not judging their whole character,
but rather looking at a specific behavior.
Below are additional communication tips for coaching groups:

 Use “I” statements.

 Ask clarifying questions, not leading ones
 Identify opportunities for specific member input. If there is a participant with experience or
expertise that others can benefit from, call on them for input when something comes up which
you know they could add value to.
 Listen for coaching opportunities rather than just passively listening as they speak or interact.
 Listen without making any assumptions and ask for clarify if necessary.