How can you maximize your Peer Support experience?

1 Choose your peers wisely

Not every colleague is a suitable peer supporter. You want to find someone who is trustworthy, respectful, and supportive. Someone who can listen to you, give you honest feedback, and challenge you to grow. Someone who has similar or complementary skills, interests, or aspirations. Someone who is willing to commit to regular and consistent communication. You can ask your manager, mentor, or HR for suggestions, or look for peer support programs or networks within your organization.

3 Prepare and participate

To make your peer support sessions effective and meaningful, you need to prepare and participate actively. Before each session, think about what you want to share, ask, or learn. Have some specific examples, questions, or challenges ready. During the session, be open, honest, and respectful. Listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and offer constructive feedback. Share your successes, struggles, and insights. Be supportive, encouraging, and empathetic. After the session, reflect on what you learned, what you can improve, and what actions you will take.

4 Seek diversity and feedback

While it is helpful to have a peer supporter who understands your role and situation, it is also beneficial to seek diversity and feedback from different perspectives. You can learn from peers who have different backgrounds, experiences, or viewpoints. You can also seek feedback from other sources, such as your manager, customers, or colleagues. This can help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and improve your performance.

5 Celebrate and appreciate

Peer support is not only about solving problems and overcoming challenges. It is also about celebrating and appreciating your achievements and growth. You and your peer supporter should acknowledge and celebrate your progress, milestones, and successes. You should also express your gratitude and appreciation for each other's support, contribution, and feedback. This can help you boost your morale, motivation, and confidence.

6 Review and renew

Peer support is not a one-time event or a fixed arrangement. It is an ongoing and evolving process. You and your peer supporter should regularly review and renew your relationship. You should assess your goals, needs, and expectations. You should evaluate your outcomes, satisfaction, and challenges. You should decide whether to continue, modify, or end your relationship. You should also explore new opportunities, goals, or peers. This can help you keep your peer support experience fresh, relevant, and rewarding.

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?