What is peer coaching?

- On the surface, peer coaching seems to be a self-explanatory concept. Peers coaching peers. Yes, but a peer coaching program has structure and guidelines that keep it focused on producing great results for all those involved. You may already be familiar with the concept of mastermind groups, thinking partners or advisory councils that help professionals process their experiences and make strategic decisions. Peer coaching programs incorporate elements from all of those, but with a more targeted twist. So let's define it. A peer coaching program brings together two to six colleagues at a similar level within the same organization to provide additional support for job related issues and career challenges. That could mean helping each other solve problems, sharing ideas, offering unique insights, providing different perspectives and learning from each other. The group members meet regularly and develop trusting relationships. During each session, they spend dedicated time to focus on the problems and opportunities of each person. The topics of discussion might include a particular initiative in progress, a project challenge or a skill that someone wants to learn. The members then use effective coaching techniques to keep conversations on track. This allows peers to express their concerns, identify roadblocks, explore solutions or push the boundaries to come up with more innovative alternatives. The challenge for the peer coaching partnerships is to play the role of thinking partner, not just the opinion provider or the solution finder. Effective peer coaching partners are more like mentors or advisors, guiding discussions with smart questions and prompting each person to solve many of their own problems. Peer coaching should help people walk away from a conversation clear about what's right for them, better understanding their thought processes, how best to proceed in any given situation and how to communicate that to others. When it's done well, peer coaching helps people find short-term solutions while prompting long-term growth and development for everyone involved. Fully understanding the definition and context of peer coaching will give you an advantage as you move forward to integrate this strategy. Whether you are developing a formal program within your company or establishing a network of peer coaches on your own, the results can be impressive as colleagues coach each other to perform and connect at a higher level.