How do you balance facilitating and learning in a peer network?

1 Define your purpose and goals

Before you join or create a peer network, you need to have a clear idea of why you are doing it and what you want to achieve. What are your learning objectives and needs as a facilitator? What are the topics and issues that interest you and challenge you? How do you plan to use the network to support your professional development and practice? Having a clear purpose and goals will help you choose the right network for you, set realistic expectations, and measure your progress and outcomes.

2 Choose or create a suitable network

Not all peer networks are the same. Some are more formal and structured, while others are more informal and flexible. Some are more focused and specific, while others are more diverse and broad. Some are more collaborative and participatory, while others are more individual and independent. Depending on your purpose and goals, you need to find or create a network that suits your style, preferences, and needs. You also need to consider the size, frequency, duration, format, and tools of the network, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the members.

3 Respect the network norms and culture

Every peer network has its own norms and culture, which are shaped by the values, beliefs, and behaviors of the members. As a facilitator and a learner, you need to respect and adapt to these norms and culture, while also bringing your own unique contribution. You need to be aware of the network's purpose, goals, rules, agreements, and boundaries, and follow them accordingly. You also need to be respectful, supportive, and constructive in your interactions with other members, and avoid any actions or words that might harm or offend them.

4 Listen actively and ask questions

One of the most important skills for balancing facilitating and learning in a peer network is listening actively. This means paying attention to what others are saying, showing interest and curiosity, and providing feedback and encouragement. Listening actively will help you learn from other members, understand their perspectives and experiences, and build trust and rapport. It will also help you ask relevant and meaningful questions, which can stimulate deeper and richer conversations, elicit insights and ideas, and challenge assumptions and biases.

5 Share your knowledge and experience

Another key skill for balancing facilitating and learning in a peer network is sharing your knowledge and experience. This means offering your expertise, insights, and stories, as well as your challenges, doubts, and questions. Sharing your knowledge and experience will help you contribute to the network's collective learning, provide value and support to other members, and showcase your strengths and skills. It will also help you reflect on your own practice, identify your gaps and areas for improvement, and receive feedback and suggestions.

6 Seek diversity and feedback

A final skill for balancing facilitating and learning in a peer network is seeking diversity and feedback. This means exposing yourself to different perspectives, opinions, and approaches, as well as different backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. Seeking diversity will help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and discover new possibilities and opportunities. It will also help you appreciate the richness and complexity of facilitation as a field and a practice. Seeking feedback will help you improve your performance, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. It will also help you appreciate the value and importance of feedback as a tool for learning and growth.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?