What is peer coaching?

Introduction

Peer coaching has had an influence on my personal and professional development during this course. Through this activity, I had the opportunity to connect with cohort members, scheduling sessions where we coach each other for 30 minutes while receiving feedback. This experience has made me feel excited for the power of one-on-one feedback, contrasting with the usual group critiques I receive as a product designer. In this blog post, I'll share the effects of peer coaching, from uncovering hidden blind spots to creating a safe space for constructive criticism.

Discovering my Hidden Blind Spots

As a designer, I am very used to seeking feedback in order to refine my craft. But, it was through peer coaching that I truly felt the immense value of one-on-one feedback. Within this intimate setting, I have been able to uncover blind spots that had previously eluded me. I was made aware of issues and nuances that I had never realized before. I felt how safe it was to receiving feedback from a single person and how it began to establish itself through sessions. This allowed me to absorb the feedback with an open heart, feeling confident that it comes from someone who genuinely wants to see me grow. With each peer coaching interaction, I embark on an experiment, selecting one aspect to refine, with the intention to improve.

I need structure

While the spontaneous nature of feedback exchanges can feel exciting, I've come to recognize the value of implementing a structured feedback format. Receiving feedback from many people simultaneously can feel overwhelming and make it hard for me to focus sometimes. This realization has prompted me to explore the introduction of a more streamlined feedback framework in my professional environment. Maybe doing one-on-one peer feedback, where I can exchange my work for thoughtful critique, would create a more focused feedback sessions? Maybe this would allow me and my feedback partner to better understand and make sense of the feedback we receive, ultimately fostering stronger results in our design endeavors?

What’s next?

My journey with peer coaching extends far beyond the confines of my course. In fact, I am determined to carry this enriching practice forward into the summer and beyond. By booking more peer coaching sessions, I can further hone my skills and maintain the momentum of personal growth. Although my cohort won't be able to coach each other beyond the second term due to our close familiarity, I am excited to introduce the concept of one-on-one peer coaching in my workplace. I plan to share this invaluable technique with my manager, seeking her insights and support. Together, we can foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration by incorporating more opportunities for personalized peer feedback.

Conclusion

Peer coaching has unveiled hidden layers of personal growth and enhancing my feedback ability. This approach has empowered me to embrace feedback from a single person, creating a secure environment where I can explore and address my blind spots. The introduction of a structured feedback format has further amplified my ability to absorb and act upon feedback effectively. As I embark on the next phase of my journey, I’m feeling excited to book more peer coaching sessions and explore how this practice can positively impact my professional environment.

Have you tried peer coaching or feedback before? If so, how was your experience?

Wynne