What are the most effective peer support training methods for interpersonal skills in the workplace?

1 Peer feedback

Peer feedback is the process of providing and receiving constructive comments and suggestions from peers on one's performance, behavior, or skills. This approach can help employees develop their interpersonal skills by emphasizing their strengths and recognizing areas for improvement. It can also encourage self-reflection and learning, as well as foster a culture of mutual respect and support. To make peer feedback effective, it's important to set clear and specific goals and criteria for the feedback session, choose a suitable time and place for the exchange, use a positive and respectful tone, focus on facts and examples rather than opinions and judgments, provide balanced and actionable feedback with praise and improvement suggestions, listen actively to the feedback , ask for clarification if needed, express appreciation for the feedback received, and follow up on the feedback to monitor progress.

2 Peer coaching

Peer coaching is the process of partnering with a peer who has similar or complementary skills and experience to provide mutual support, guidance, and accountability for achieving personal and professional goals. This can help employees improve their interpersonal skills by enhancing their self-awareness, confidence, and motivation, developing new skills and knowledge, and overcoming challenges and barriers. To make peer coaching effective, it is important to choose a peer coach who shares your values, vision, and commitment. Establish a clear and realistic coaching agreement that defines the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and boundaries of the coaching relationship. Schedule regular and consistent coaching sessions that suit both parties. Use effective coaching techniques such as asking open-ended questions, listening actively, paraphrasing, summarizing, and giving feedback. Additionally, set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and action plans for each coaching session. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements while reviewing the coaching outcomes and process.

3 Peer mentoring

Peer mentoring is the process of pairing a less experienced or new employee with a more experienced or senior colleague who can offer advice, guidance, and support for their personal and professional development. This type of mentoring can help employees build interpersonal skills, broaden their network and perspectives, and gain recognition. To make peer mentoring effective, you should choose a mentor with the skills and qualities you aspire to develop. It's important to establish a trusting relationship based on mutual benefit, feedback, and learning. Additionally, communicate regularly with your mentor, accept their feedback, apply what you learn, and appreciate their contribution. With these tips in mind, you will be able to make the most out of peer mentoring.

4 Peer role modeling

Peer role modeling is the process of observing and emulating the behaviors, attitudes, and skills of a peer who demonstrates excellence and success in a certain area or task. This can help employees improve their interpersonal skills by inspiring them to adopt positive and effective habits, practices, and strategies, increasing their self-efficacy and confidence, and challenging them to set higher standards and expectations for themselves. To make peer role modeling effective, you should identify a peer role model who has the interpersonal skills that you want to improve or learn. Then observe and analyze how they communicate, interact, and collaborate with others in different situations. Ask them questions about their insights and tips on how they develop their interpersonal skills. Try to replicate and adapt their behaviors to your own style. Additionally, seek feedback from your role model and others on your performance and improvement. Finally, reflect on your learning and outcomes to identify what works best for you.

5 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?