Like mentors, your peers typically come with different backgrounds, experiences, and diversity of thought. If you can focus on helping each other to be the best versions of yourselves, then embracing a peer mentor can help you grow in ways you could not do yourself. Peers can be on a different team or the same organizational group, but they are typically at the same level as you.
What to do when finding a peer mentor:
- Identify the areas you want to improve.
- Identify peers who you feel excel at those skills (you envy them in a good way).
- Schedule a time to chat with one or more on your list.
- Ask if they are interested in peer mentoring, making sure you highlight what you hope to gain their support on.
- Check to see if your organization offers Peer Mentors as part of their formal mentorship program or ERGs (Employee Resource Groups).
- Take accountability for scheduling meetings.
My experience with peer mentors:
- Peer mentors are equally as valuable as mentors who are in roles you strive to move into.
- My peers are fantastic sources of skills and strengths that complement mine – so where I can, I learn and experiment with them.
- My HIPA (highly important person of awesomeness), not to be confused with HIPPA Compliance, that I posted about in the Simple Steps to Build Confidence blog is one of those peer mentors that has helped strengthen my communication style based on target audience, my ability to communicate business outcomes to demonstrate business value, and more because it is her superpower.
- Most of my peer mentors did not see the skills I envy them for as strengths – or at a minimum, they don’t see it as their superpower.
- I support my peers in gaining confidence in strengths they did not realize they were known for – always a great way to build someone up – show them how incredible they are.
- They are generally happy to help me become the best version of me.
- They become part of my inner network circle and help me see the blind spots I might be missing when it comes to internal politics – where I might struggle to gain insight if we did not spend 1:1 time.
Now, look at those peers you interact with as part of your job. Does anyone pique your interest to reach out for an in-person or virtual coffee chat? Peer mentoring does not need to be any more formal than a regularly scheduled meeting.
If seeking a peer mentor is not for you right now, you might want to consider a few great books that offer mentorship insights:
- Scott Jeffery Miller’s Master Mentors Volume 1 and Volume 2. The books provide mini stories from transformative mentors on topics ranging from self-worth to being intentional about your virtual presence.
- Another great read on topics you might be having challenges with is Don’t Blame the Lettuce, where the authors share insights and examples of things that creep up on you daily.
Stay tuned for the next post in Your Personal Support System Series – Part 3: Reverse Mentors.
Connect with Penny on LinkedIn or check out www.theizzyway.ca for more of her collection of blog posts