What do you do if peer support becomes a hindrance to your career growth?

2 Challenge 2: Undermining your authority or credibility

Another challenge of peer support is that it can undermine your authority or credibility as an executive or a potential leader. You may face resistance, resentment, or jealousy from your peers, especially if you are promoted or assigned to a higher-level project. You may also struggle to assert your influence, make decisions, or resolve conflicts, if you are too concerned about pleasing or appeasing your peers. This can affect your reputation, confidence, and effectiveness as an executive.

Solution: Establish your role and value

The solution to this challenge is to establish your role and value as an executive or a leader, while maintaining your peer support relationships. You can do this by clarifying your expectations, goals, and vision with your peers, and by demonstrating your competence, integrity, and professionalism. You can also acknowledge and appreciate your peers' contributions, and invite their feedback and input, but without compromising your authority or credibility. You can also seek guidance from other executives or leaders on how to navigate the dynamics of peer support in your position.

3 Challenge 3: Isolating yourself from peer support

A third challenge of peer support is that you may isolate yourself from it, either intentionally or unintentionally. You may feel that you have outgrown your peers, or that you have no peers at your level. You may also face barriers such as geographical distance, organizational hierarchy, or confidentiality issues. This can lead to loneliness, isolation, or alienation, which can affect your mental health, motivation, and creativity. Moreover, you may miss out on the benefits of peer support, such as learning, networking, and innovation.

Solution: Seek and create peer support opportunities

The solution to this challenge is to seek and create peer support opportunities, both within and outside your organization. You can do this by joining or forming peer support groups, communities, or networks, that share your interests, challenges, or goals. You can also participate in events, workshops, or courses, that offer peer support and learning opportunities. You can also reach out to your existing peers, or connect with new ones, through various channels, such as email, phone, or social media. You can also leverage your executive role or status to advocate for and promote peer support in your organization.

Peer support is a skill that can help you succeed as an executive, but it can also pose some challenges to your career growth. By being aware of these challenges, and applying the solutions we discussed, you can balance your need for peer support with your professional goals and ambitions. You can also enjoy the rewards of peer support, such as trust, collaboration, and empathy, while advancing your career as an executive.

4 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?