Team Coaching vs. Group Coaching: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

When it comes to professional development, coaching is a powerful tool—but not all coaching is created equal. Two commonly confused approaches are team coaching and group coaching. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.

Team coaching focuses on a real team with shared goals, responsibilities, and outcomes. I work with the whole team together—over time—to improve collaboration, communication, and overall performance. It’s about strengthening relationships, aligning around a common purpose, and enhancing how the team operates as a unit.

On the other hand, group coaching brings together peers within the organisation who may not work together day-to-day. They’re connected by a shared peer level within the organisation, and all lead teams. There is a myth that peers have to know what each peer function does, when really all they need to have in common is the challenges and opportunity of leading a team.

As a group coach, I facilitate learning and reflection, encouraging participants to share experiences and insights. It’s more about personal growth in a supportive group setting than building team dynamics.

In both forms of coaching, the leaders will get an enhanced understanding and appreciation of when and how to adopt a coaching mindset.  In doing so there will be a beautiful ripple effect through the organisation, with the growth of a coaching mindset.  Leading to a more collaborative and engaged culture. 

Why it matters

Choosing the right approach makes all the difference. If you're aiming to boost the effectiveness of an intact team, team coaching is your best bet.

If your focus is on developing individual leaders within the organisation, group coaching offers rich learning opportunities.

Understanding the distinction helps HR leaders, managers, and coaches design more impactful development experiences. Both approaches offer value—when used with intention.