The Benefits of a Group

So often in our careers we feel like we are an army of one. 

Many of my clients, due to the sensitive nature of their jobs or just the demands on their time, find themselves alone. They’re not even aware of their solitary nature but it’s this loss of community that made me realize the importance of group coaching. This is especially true during times of change or after taking on significant new responsibility.  And this became even more evident as most of us found ourselves in work from home situations over the past few years.

Being a part of a group is incredibly beneficial to your mental health - whether that group be a book club, a church, or an online co-working group. A group provides a sense of community as well as support emotionally, socially, and even physically sometimes. And even for those of us that consider ourselves to be introverts, those connections are critical.

In 2020 when the turmoil of Covid-19 first hit, many of us lost out on these social interactions due to the necessary precautions we had to take and stay-at-home orders. What that really showed me was how important these group interactions were to me in the first place. I’m sure many of you have had that experience too. Quarantining and staying home meant we were staying in our own heads more often and that presents a danger. Having a supportive group where you can express yourself provides you with the comfortable thought, Oh, other people feel and think this way too. 

We had to get creative in order to foster our communities, meeting over Zoom, in group chats, or outdoors & socially distanced. Many of our communities became digital. But we made it happen because being a part of a group is so important. Here are just a few of the powerful benefits:

Connection

Being a part of a community naturally means you are getting to know other people. It means you are networking and making connections that can help you both personally and professionally. 

Social connection is also incredibly helpful when it comes to your health, both mental and physical. According to Psychology Today, social connection is linked to better physical health, stronger immune systems, and better moods, especially in older adults. Social connections help people deal with stress better as well. 

Knowledge

Communities are a great opportunity to learn from one another. Oftentimes the group you join will link you with like-minded people. This opens the door to peer learning. You can find or become a mentor, and in turn, learn from them and learn more about yourself. 

The term hive mind is in reference to a group of people who become aware of their commonality and think and act as a community, sharing their knowledge, thoughts, and resources.  There’s so much wisdom to mine from a group overall. You will get to know trusted peers who can provide you with feedback and advice from their collective experiences and that is so valuable. 

Support

When you have a community to rely on, you get to be surrounded by other people who know what you are going through or who have shared similar experiences. The support network provided by your group or community is invaluable, especially during these times when it’s easy to feel isolated. 
A lack of support can take a toll physically. People who have support from a group, friends, or family are consistently more likely to be satisfied with their personal health. Research has linked a lack of support to health conditions such as high blood pressure. 

If you are looking for support from a community of like-minded people as you navigate a career change or are even thinking about one, check out my free-to-join group, Fulfilling Career, Happy Life. Engage with a community of professionals who seek fulfillment from their careers and strive to say, Thank God It’s Monday.