What are effective ways to respect a peer's time and availability in a support network?

1 Why respect matters

Respecting a peer's time and availability is not only courteous, but also essential for building trust, rapport, and mutual understanding in a support network. When you respect a peer's time and availability, you show that you value their contribution, acknowledge their autonomy, and honor their limits. This can foster a positive and supportive atmosphere, where peers feel comfortable to share, listen, and learn from each other. On the other hand, disrespecting a peer's time and availability can damage the relationship, create resentment, and reduce the effectiveness of the support.

3 How to respect boundaries

Another important step to respect a peer's time and availability is to respect their boundaries, which are the limits that they set for themselves and others in a support network. Boundaries can include the duration, frequency, intensity, and scope of the support, as well as the topics, emotions, and behaviors that are acceptable or unacceptable in the interaction. Respecting boundaries means that you follow the agreed-upon terms of the support, and that you do not pressure, coerce, or manipulate a peer to change or violate their boundaries. It also means that you respect a peer's right to end or pause the support, or to ask for a different type of support, if they feel uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or exhausted.

5 How to handle conflicts or disagreements

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may encounter conflicts or disagreements with a peer over their time and availability in a support network. This can happen when a peer changes their availability, cancels or postpones a support session, or does not respond to your messages or calls. It can also happen when a peer does not respect your time and availability, or does not meet your expectations in the support interaction. When this happens, you need to handle the situation calmly, respectfully, and constructively. You can do this by acknowledging the issue, expressing your feelings and needs, listening to the peer's perspective, and finding a solution that works for both of you.

6 How to appreciate and acknowledge a peer's time and availability

Finally, one of the most effective ways to respect a peer's time and availability in a support network is to appreciate and acknowledge it. This means that you express gratitude, praise, and recognition for the time and effort that a peer invests in the support, and for the value and impact that they create in the support network. Appreciating and acknowledging a peer's time and availability can boost their morale, motivation, and satisfaction, and can strengthen the bond and trust between you and them. It can also encourage them to continue to offer or seek support, and to respect your time and availability in return.

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?