Peer coaching is recognized as one of the best ways to develop people and is used in marketplace, education and the social sector. The government of Canada website describes peer coaching in this way, “Peer coaching is a confidential process of collaborative inquiry through which a small group of colleagues meet regularly to help each other learn together, address challenges and issues, explore possibilities and take action to achieve desired results.”
There is significant benefit to small group coaching rather than being coached by an individual. While this doesn’t replace a leadership coach the benefits are rater unique and can complement one to one coaching. Rather than bringing in an outside expert or sounding board, peer coaching fosters relationships between colleagues. A peer coach understands the context that their colleagues are working in and can offer more insightful and impactful insights. As well rather than a one way relationship peer coaching offers a two way relationship in which group members experience mutual benefit.
Steinberg and Watkins write, “The benefits of small-group coaching come from powerful learning interactions among leaders who aren’t on the same team but are roughly equal in experience and position. By bringing people together who have no formal accountability to or interactions with each other, you can create deep learnings that wouldn’t be available otherwise.”
In short leaders and organizations are discovering that in peer coaching environments you will learn more about yourself and the organization that you lead. By asking for support from others and creating a safe space for exploration, you will build foundational skills for both personal and organizational growth.
- Immersion in real time group dynamics
- Insights into diverse perspectives
- Opportunities to practice new skills in a safe place
- A robust accountability system
- An enduring support network
- Nurturing a climate for trust and support
- Having a collaborative attitude
- Listening actively
- Providing direct feedback
- Being Generous
- Taking risks
Adapted from The Surprising Power of Peer Coaching by Steinberg and Watkins in Harvard Business Review