What do you do if your project team lacks a strong peer support network?

2 Communicate the need

The next step is to communicate the need for peer support to your project team and stakeholders. You can do this by explaining the purpose and benefits of peer support, such as improving the quality of work, enhancing morale, and increasing learning and innovation. Additionally, it's beneficial to share examples of how peer support has helped other teams or individuals achieve their goals or solve problems. To gain a better understanding of the current level of peer support, ask for feedback and input from your project team and stakeholders on what they expect from peer support and what they are willing or able to offer or receive. By communicating the need for peer support, you can raise awareness, create interest, and form a shared vision and commitment among your project team and stakeholders.

3 Create the opportunities

The third step is to create the opportunities for peer support to happen within and across your project team. This can be achieved by setting realistic expectations and norms for peer support, providing the right tools and platforms, as well as organizing and facilitating activities. It is important to ensure that the tools are accessible, user-friendly, and secure, while activities should be relevant, engaging, and constructive. By providing these opportunities, you can enable and motivate peer support among team members, while also fostering a sense of connection and collaboration.

4 Model the behavior

The fourth step in creating a successful peer support network for your project team is to model the behavior that you want to see. To do this, be an active and enthusiastic participant in peer support activities and show your willingness to learn from and support others. Additionally, be a positive and respectful role model in peer support interactions, demonstrating how to give and receive feedback, share knowledge, ask questions, listen actively, and empathize effectively. Furthermore, be a leader and catalyst in peer support initiatives by inspiring others to join, contribute, and benefit from peer support. By modeling the behavior, you can influence and shape the culture and norms of peer support in your project team, ultimately building trust and credibility among your project team members.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of peer support in your project team. To do this, collect and analyze data and feedback on the quantity and quality of peer support activities, such as the number, frequency, duration, and satisfaction of peer support sessions. Additionally, identify and celebrate successes and achievements of peer support, such as improved performance, well-being, and learning of project team members. It's also important to recognize and reward the efforts and contributions of peer support by acknowledging and appreciating peer support providers and recipients. By monitoring and evaluating, you can measure and demonstrate the value of peer support in your project team to motivate and sustain engagement and improvement.

6 Adapt and improve

The final step is to adapt and improve your peer support network based on the feedback and results that you have collected and analyzed. You can do this by reviewing and revising goals, expectations, and norms to ensure they are aligned with the project objectives, team needs, and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, you should update and enhance peer support tools and platforms to make sure they are relevant, effective, and efficient for the project team's activities. Introducing new or different peer support activities can also help make the network more diverse, inclusive, and innovative. By adapting and improving, you can continuously optimize and refine your peer support network to ensure it is responsive, dynamic, and impactful for your project team.

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?