How can you use peer support to improve person-centered care?

When several workers are closely working together from day to day, they might observe more than an employer who only sees the final project. As workers need the assistance of others, it becomes obvious who is willing and able to jump in and help the most. It can cause others to imitate that or cause jealousy. It can be effective if the employees have humble attitudes towards one another. This process can be informal or formal. If they can give suggestions that help the worker improve, it can cause growth, clarify what they do well, help encourage areas they need to improve (even offering help), and give them confidence in what they can do well. This can be used for good or to create harm. Motives are most important.

Peer support is very valuable. You can learn a lot from watching and listening to other workers. When they are sharing ideas, listen with an open heart. Watch the jealousy in the group, and do not allow yourself to feel that way. It will shut the door to others and to improvement. Ask for suggestions and then thank them. If you see someone struggling, ask if they would like help. When you see someone doing a great job, tell them you like what they just did. I would encourage you to always be reading about your work. You will find great tips for your group that would challenge their thinking. Watch out for the underdog and support them. When others offer suggestions, understand they are trying to help you, not sabotage you.

To improve peer support skills, you must remember that you are not competing with everyone else when you are in a group project. You are supposed to work together and pull your part of the load. Be humble about the support you give. Ask for feedback about your work. Be genuinely interested when given advice. Is it true? Would the advice improve your work? Then thank them for their support. Also, be willing to suggest ideas to others that would help others. Do it in a way you would like to be approached. Do not pretend you know everything! Be careful about what you suggest and act from pure motives. Watch what others do and how they express their advice. Imitate what seems to be kind and helpful. You do not know everything.

When working on a project with others, watch how they are communicating with the others. Is it kind? Do you think it is truthful? Is it an improvement that is beneficial? Could you take time to listen when someone gives you advice? If they hesitate to suggest anything, what attitude do you project to the group? If others seem reluctant to suggest anything to you, your attitude could repel them. They expect only some people to reach out to you first. If no one is talking, it could indicate that others are afraid to comment. Speak with kindness and ask for support and feedback. That will open the door for them to talk about the project. Ask if anyone has a suggestion for your work. Ask if anyone needs help, you are available.