How can you learn from diverse perspectives in Peer Support?

1 Why diversity matters

Diversity is not just about demographic categories, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, or disability. It is also about the diversity of thoughts, opinions, beliefs, values, and experiences that shape how people view themselves and the world. Learning from diverse perspectives can help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and gain new insights and skills. It can also help you develop empathy, respect, and tolerance for others, which are essential for building trust and rapport in peer support.

2 How to seek diversity

One way to seek diversity in peer support is to join or create groups that have a mix of people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and goals. You can also reach out to individuals who have different experiences or views than you, and ask them to share their stories or advice. Another way to seek diversity is to expose yourself to different sources of information, such as books, podcasts, blogs, or documentaries, that cover topics or issues that are relevant to your peer support context. You can also attend events, workshops, or webinars that offer opportunities to learn from diverse speakers or participants.

3 How to listen actively

Learning from diverse perspectives requires active listening, which means paying attention, showing interest, and providing feedback. Through active listening, you can gain an understanding of the meaning and emotions behind what others are saying, and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. To do so, use verbal and non-verbal cues such as nodding or smiling to show that you are following and encouraging the speaker. Ask open-ended questions to invite them to elaborate or clarify their points; summarize or paraphrase what they have said to check your comprehension and show respect; reflect or empathize with their feelings to acknowledge and validate their emotions; and avoid interrupting, judging, or giving unsolicited advice unless asked for.

4 How to share respectfully

Sharing your own perspective in peer support can be an opportunity for learning, but it is important to do so respectfully. This means being honest, humble, and sensitive when expressing your thoughts and feelings. To share respectfully, use "I" statements to own your perspective and avoid generalizing. Acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of perspectives to show that you value and accept differences among peers. Provide examples or evidence to support your perspective, rather than making assumptions or claims without basis. Invite dialogue and collaboration by asking for feedback or input from others. Finally, be open to learning and changing your perspective to demonstrate that you are willing to grow and adapt.

5 How to overcome barriers

Learning from diverse perspectives in peer support can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also pose some barriers such as language, culture, bias, or conflict. To overcome these barriers, you should use simple, clear, and respectful language that avoids jargon or slang. It is important to learn about and respect the cultural norms, values, and preferences of others while recognizing and challenging your own biases. Additionally, it is essential to manage and resolve conflicts constructively by focusing on the issues and using positive communication. With curiosity, openness, and respect, you can seek, listen, share, and overcome these barriers to enhance your peer support skills and relationships.