What are the most common team problems solved by peer support?

2 Role ambiguity

Another common team problem is role ambiguity, which occurs when team members are unclear about their responsibilities, expectations, or boundaries. Role ambiguity can cause confusion, duplication, gaps, or conflicts in the team's work. Peer support can help clarify and negotiate roles by providing team members with information, guidance, or feedback on their tasks, goals, or standards. Peer support can also help team members adjust to changing or challenging roles by offering encouragement, recognition, or suggestions.

3 Burnout and stress

A third common team problem is burnout and stress, which can affect team members' physical, mental, and emotional health. Burnout and stress can result from excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines, lack of resources, or emotional demands. Peer support can help reduce and cope with burnout and stress by providing team members with emotional support, such as listening, validating, or comforting. Peer support can also help team members with practical support, such as sharing tips, strategies, or resources to manage their work and well-being.

4 Conflict and tension

A fourth common team problem is conflict and tension, which can arise from different personalities, values, opinions, or interests. Conflict and tension can damage team relationships, trust, and cohesion. Peer support can help prevent and resolve conflict and tension by fostering a culture of respect, openness, and collaboration. Peer support can also help team members deal with conflict and tension by providing them with mediation, facilitation, or problem-solving skills.

5 Isolation and disengagement

A fifth common team problem is isolation and disengagement, which can occur when team members feel disconnected, unappreciated, or unmotivated. Isolation and disengagement can affect team performance, satisfaction, and retention. Peer support can help overcome isolation and disengagement by creating a sense of belonging, recognition, and purpose. Peer support can also help team members with motivational support, such as inspiring, challenging, or rewarding them.

Peer support is not only beneficial for solving team problems, but also for enhancing team strengths, opportunities, and innovations. By applying peer support principles and practices in your team, you can create a more positive, productive, and supportive work environment.

6 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?