In the realm of professional development, the quest for growth and learning is perpetual. Whether you aim to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge base, or stay ahead of industry trends, continuous learning is essential.
While traditional avenues like workshops and seminars are valuable, a dynamic approach is gaining momentum—self-directed peer group CPD (Continuous Professional Development). We do this face-to-face every year in Sixth Sense and at regular intervals, virtually.
?Here are a few tips if you’d like to try it.
What is Self-Directed Peer Group CPD?
Self-directed peer group CPD involves professionals coming together voluntarily to share insights, experiences, and resources for mutual growth. Unlike formal training programmes, this approach is driven by the participants themselves, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to each other's development journey.
The Benefits of Self-Directed Peer Group CPD
- Customised Learning Experience: Participants have the autonomy to choose topics and resources that align with their individual learning goals and interests. This tailored approach ensures that CPD efforts are relevant and engaging. We’ve found this is better than conferences, where we are only ever interested in a proportion of the sessions.
- ?Diverse Perspectives: By collaborating with peers from different backgrounds and industries, individuals gain diverse perspectives and insights that enrich their learning experience. The collective wisdom of the group enhances problem-solving skills and fosters creativity. Our group is international, and we value this enormously.
- ?Accountability and Motivation: In a peer group setting, participants set goals, track progress, and hold each other accountable. The group's sense of accountability and support helps maintain motivation and momentum in CPD efforts. It’s our view that this type of adult learning is most effective.
- ?Support Opportunities: Beyond learning, self-directed peer groups offer valuable networking and support opportunities. Building relationships with like-minded professionals can lead to new collaborations, career opportunities, and mentorship. Our group members gladly help each other and swap resources. For solo practitioners, this is can be a huge antidote to professional loneliness.
Establishing a Self-Directed Peer Group CPD
Sounds appealing? Here are some ideas to get your own group off the ground.
- Define Goals and Structure: Start by defining the objectives, scope, and structure of the peer group CPD. Then, determine how often the group will meet, what communication channels to use, and what participation guidelines to follow. It all sounds a bit formal, but this discipleship is worthwhile.?Without structure and purpose, self-directed groups quickly fizzle out.
- ?Invite Participants: Reach out to professionals in your network who share similar interests and learning goals. Encourage diversity in terms of expertise, experience, and background to enrich the group dynamic. We met at Hult Ashridge during a postgraduate team coaching course, so we started off with a shared set of values and interests.
- Establish Group Norms: Set clear expectations regarding communication, participation, and respect within the group. Establishing a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for fostering meaningful interactions. As we developed, we learned that different group members have different needs and how to work with them.
- Curate Resources: Use various platforms and resources to curate relevant content on topics of interest. Encourage members to share articles, books, podcasts, and other valuable resources. Above all, keep the material safe. Not everyone is a natural archivist, and stuff can easily get lost.
- Facilitate Discussions: Schedule regular meetings or discussions to facilitate knowledge sharing and peer interaction. Rotate facilitation responsibilities to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
- Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly assess the group's activities' effectiveness and solicit member feedback. Adjust the approach as needed based on evolving learning needs and goals. Be open and honest with each other.
- Meet Face-to-Face: Pick somewhere that relaxes, interests, and stimulates people. Getting creative often means a change of scenery! We don't always pick a sunny place but we always chose a location that's interesting.
- Have Fun: Don’t feel uncomfortable doing some things together that aren’t strictly work. It’s all learning.
Embrace Continuous Growth
Self-directed peer group CPD offers a dynamic and collaborative approach to professional development. By harnessing peers' collective expertise and support, individuals can accelerate their learning journey and achieve greater success in their careers.
As the pace of change accelerates in today's professional landscape, investing in continuous learning and collaboration becomes advantageous and essential for staying relevant and resilient.
Join or initiate a self-directed peer group CPD today and embark on a journey of continuous growth and excellence. We promise you won’t regret it!
Management Consultant
11 个月Agree completely. I was a member of such a group for a number of years and the benefits were enormous. Key to which was building up a group with mutual respect and trust.