3 reasons mutual empowerment is right for you

When we think of a regular coaching session, we think of it as one-on-one. While these sessions have certainly help leaders grow, they also create a teacher-student relationship. Being a good coachee becomes more important than actually becoming an inspiring leader. For most companies, it is simply not practical to get every high-potential performer their own personal coach. Here are three reasons why a peer coaching solution is more beneficial to the employee and to the company as a whole.   

#1 Personal Kinship

We think we know our co-workers and friends. When we explore deeper questions, however, we discover talents and challenges we did know they had. Because we all identify more with our peers than outside experts, we learn from them. We believe that what they see for us is genuinely possible. When we share our experiences, we connect with others and motivate them to do the same. As we practise being open with each other, all of our relationships flourish. 

#2 Crossfunctional Understanding

When we support each other’s growth in the workplace, we get to know each other on a different, more personal level. In a peer-coaching group, we learn from shared joys and challenges. We realize we are not alone. Our similar experiences help our colleagues, and we feel seen. A deep bond starts to form. It does not matter that our skills and functions differ. When we hear someone sharing something vulnerable, we feel connected to them. We extend empathy and support their learning and growth. We genuinely understand what it is like to walk in each others’ shoes. We want to help those who have been there for us in a time of need.  

#3 Scaling Recognition

Top performers are those who feel seen, heard and valued. There is no more powerful way to increase productivity and create a thriving team. With peer coaching, you propagate inspiration, collaboration and confidence–without having to do it all yourself through your own personal interactions. Your people feel believed in, by their colleagues. Trusted. Appreciated. In their peer coaching group. 

New York Times bestselling author Dan Schawbel says “if you have a more socially engaged workplace, it’s going to increase retention. It’s going to lower costs, it’s going to increase productivity, you’re going to be a healthier workplace that people are excited to go to every single day. Retention, creativity, productivity, it hits about everything.”


Conclusion

Deepening workplace connections through peer coaching is the new frontier, the most powerful direction companies around the globe are taking. If your team is hungry for growth, then peer-coaching might be the right avenue for you. As UCLA neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman describes it, “social connection is a ‘superpower’ that makes individuals smarter, happier and more productive. Leaders at all levels of an organization would be wise to assess workplace culture through the lens of connection. Are attitudes, uses of language and behaviors drawing people together and connecting them? Or are they creating a stressful, relationally-toxic environment that pushes people apart?” 

Implement a peer coaching platform in your company.