Peer coaching groups provide a safe environment that foster sharing in an open and honest way. It’s one of the few places that C-Suite executives, professionals with the CEO mindset and business owners can share knowledge, while getting feedback from a coach. Due to the universal trust within the group, members often develop valuable and lasting relationships with their peers and the coach as well. In a group with more chances to blend the lines between personal and professional lives, it’s important to maintain the professional edge without being guarded.

One of the key benefits about being part of a peer coaching group is to hear all the ideas that are being offered. It’s fascinating to see the variety of perspectives and how they are presented. This is a unique opportunity to see how people think and actually be able to ask clarifying questions without offending.

My Advice – Lots of new ideas will be introduced. Be open to what you hear even if you don’t think it’s right for you. Even “bad ideas” can stimulate great ideas if you don’t immediately shut them out.

It’s vital to understand that not all groups are the same. There are a variety of differences. Some peer coaching groups are gender specific, professionals of a certain level, businesses with a specific revenue range and just about anything else you can think of. To provide clients with more options, coaches develop and manage the groups differently.

My Advice – Find a group that fits your needs. There are so many options out there it shouldn’t be hard to find one that focuses on what you want. Some groups are less structured, while others follow an established agenda with more predictable outcomes. My groups offer a blend of the two concepts. The group comes together and sets specific goals. My job is to keep everyone moving towards the goals in a flexible way. I allot time for learning and growth exercises along the way. One of my differentiators is that relationship development is an essential factor in the groups I lead. I host events that allow people to see and present different facets of their personality. (It’s fascinating to see the bank officer as an animal lover, artic explorer, cycling enthusiast or armchair expert on ancient civilizations!)

With all the different options out there, it’s easy to get confused about which group might be right for you. If you are clear about what YOUR specific goals are, it’s going to be much easier to meet those goals. If you’re even a bit unclear, it might be time to assess yourself and develop a game plan.

My Advice – Write a list of exactly what you are looking for in a group. I suggest that you think in a perfect world scenario and note exactly what your most desirable sessions would look like. Add the particulars of your imaginary peers. Take some time to think about what you expect from a coach.

Prepare a list of questions for when you “interview” about and for the group.

Some people join a peer coaching group without fully understanding how much time and energy it’s going to take to fully benefit from it. I would definitely ask about the member’s time commitment before joining any group.

My Advice – Participate to the max. The best way to benefit from any group is to get and stay involved. I love the old adage, “The more you put into something the more you’ll get out of it”. It’s very true. It’s important to be professional and make the commitment to attend the meetings. Unless you’re present, you can’t possibly benefit from the sessions, the ideas that were presented or the coaching associated with the sessions. You won’t learn and grow which was the point in the first place. Plus, it’s not fair to your peers who are counting on your ideas and experience.

If you would like to learn more about Peer Coaching watch me on Focus Forward where I discuss peer coaching, check out It Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely at the Top on this topic or review my tips. Or just contact me.

Thanks for reading, I’d love to know what you’re thinking so please comment, like and share.