The Surprising Power of Peer Coaching
What is peer coaching?
Peer coaching is a form of coaching in which people who are not trained professionals work together to help each other achieve their goals. It is based on the idea that we can all learn from each other and that we are all experts in our own lives.
Peer coaching can take many different forms, but it usually involves setting up a regular meeting or check-in between two people who are working on similar goals. This gives them a chance to talk about what they're doing well, what they're struggling with, and to give and receive feedback.
There is evidence that peer coaching can be an effective tool for helping people to achieve their goals. A study of weight loss programs found that those who had a peer coach lost more weight than those who did not. Another study found that peer coaching improved job satisfaction and job performance among employees.
If you're interested in trying peer coaching, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, find someone who has a goal similar to yours. This could be a friend, family member, or co-worker. Once you've found someone, set up a regular time to meet or check-in with each other. During these meetings,you can talk about your progress, give and receive feedback, and offer support to each other.
The benefits of peer coaching
When it comes to professional development, we often think of formal coaching relationships in which a more experienced individual helps guide a less experienced one. But there are many benefits to peer coaching relationships, in which two individuals who are at the same level work together to help each other improve.
Peer coaching can help build trust and camaraderie within a team or department, as well as improve communication and problem-solving skills. And because both parties are invested in each other's success, peer coaches can provide more honest feedback than a manager or supervisor might be able to.
If you're considering starting a peer coaching relationship at work, here are a few tips to get you started:
Define the goals of the relationship. What do you hope to achieve through peer coaching? Make sure both parties are clear on the purpose of the relationship from the outset.
Schedule regular check-ins. Set aside time each week or month to meet with your peer coach, and stick to this schedule as much as possible. This will help ensure that the relationship remains a priority.
Be open to feedback. In order to get the most out of peer coaching, you need to be willingto listen to feedback and act on it. Remember that the goal is to improve, so don't get defensive when your coach points out areas for improvement.
Give feedback that is specific and actionable. When you do provide feedback to your coach, make sure it is specific and actionable. For example, "I noticed that you didn't make eye contact with the client during the meeting" is more helpful than "You didn't seem very engaged in the meeting."
Be supportive, but honest. It's important to be supportive of your peer coach, but you also need to be honest about areas where improvement is needed. The goal is to help each other grow, so don't shy away from offering constructive criticism.
How to get started with peer coaching
If you're looking to get started with peer coaching, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, identify what area you need help with. It could be anything from time management to public speaking. Once you know what you need help with, reach out to someone who you think could be a good fit as a peer coach.
A peer coach is someone who can offer guidance and support, but also holds you accountable for meeting your goals. They should be someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Once you've found a peer coach, schedule regular check-ins so you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
The best way to find a peer coach
The best way to find a peer coach is to look for someone who is already doing what you want to do. That way, you can learn from their experience and get guidance on how to achieve your goals. You can also find a peer coach through online resources or by attending workshops and events.
Conclusion
The power of peer coaching is often underestimated. We tend to think that we can only learn from those who are more experienced than us, or from formal coaches and mentors. But the truth is, our peers can often teach us just as much — if not more.
Peer coaching can be an incredibly effective way to learn new skills, gain different perspectives, and push ourselves to reach our potential. If you haven't tried it before, I encourage you to give it a shot. You might be surprised at just how powerful it can be.
