As the field of professional coaching grows, so too does its competitive nature. Standing apart from the crowd as a qualified, successful expert requires intentional, ongoing skills development — particularly for newer, less experienced coaches. Theoretical knowledge and classroom learning are foundational, but real-world practice is where true mastery lies.
Peer coaching practice offers a valuable platform for aspiring coaches to hone their skills, receive feedback, and grow. In this article, we explore the significance of coaching practice with other coaches, including its key benefits, plus expert tips for making the most of this indispensable learning opportunity.
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What Is Peer Coaching?
Peer coaching practice involves a structured exchange of coaching skills and support among a pair or group of coaches. It differs from mentorship in that it focuses on reciprocal learning and support among peers, rather than a hierarchical mentor-mentee relationship.
A study published in the Association for Psychological Science found that “deliberate” practice accounted for a significant variance in performance in fields like sports and music, particularly among performers with a lower skill level. The same principle likely is also true for professional skills such as coaching. While practice may not make “perfect,” it does indeed make for “much better.”
What Happens in Peer Coaching?
Peer coaching sessions can take various forms, including:
- Regular one-on-one coaching sessions between peers (often weekly or bi-weekly), where each coach takes turns acting as both coach and client.
- Monthly group sessions where coaches discuss challenges, share best practices, and provide feedback to each other.
- Conducting self-assessments or peer assessments to identify strengths and areas for skills improvement.
- Engaging in role-playing exercises and simulated coaching scenarios to practice specific skills and receive feedback.
- Swapping coaching challenges and collaboratively brainstorming solutions to coaching challenges and developing creative approaches.
- Providing and receiving constructive feedback on coaching sessions, including observations, suggestions, and areas for improvement.
- Analyzing real-life coaching case studies or hypothetical situations to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Why Coaching Practice Is a Must for New Coaches
Coaching practice with peers offers many benefits for both aspiring and those who want to master their craft:
Build Practical Experience
- Offers a safe environment for applying training. Good coaching practice provides a safe and supportive environment to experiment with new coaching techniques and make — and learn from — mistakes.
- Allows experimentation with techniques and refinement of coaching style. Coaches can try out different approaches, observe their impact, and refine their coaching style based on feedback from their peers.
- Engages in real-time group dynamics. Observing and participating in group coaching sessions provides valuable insights into group dynamics and the challenges of working with diverse clients.
- Bridges the gap between theory and practice. Coaching practice bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing coaches to integrate real-world scenarios into what they’ve learned.
Develop Core Competencies
- Applies coaching frameworks in real time. Peer coaching techniques give you opportunities to apply different coaching frameworks and models in a way that makes you more naturally proficient.
- Refines your questioning techniques. Through practice and feedback, coaches can hone their questioning skills and learn to ask insightful questions that challenge clients’ assumptions and guide them toward deeper levels of self-awareness.
- Improves your active listening skills. Practicing with your peers involves active listening so you can improve your ability to hear and understand your clients’ perspectives.
- Develops session structure management. Coaches learn to organize their coaching sessions more effectively to ensure a clear and productive flow of conversation.
Enhance Listening and Questioning Skills
- Allows for honing active listening and questioning skills. Working with your coaching peers gives you a controlled environment to practice active listening skills and pay close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Encourages deeper listening and impactful questioning. Through feedback from peers, coaches can learn to ask more insightful and impactful questions that challenge clients’ assumptions and increase their self-awareness.
- Develops essential habits for effective coaching. Good coaching practice fosters the development of essential coaching habits, such as maintaining presence, demonstrating empathy, and providing constructive feedback.
Provide and Get Direct Feedback
- Allows new coaches to get real-time feedback. Receiving constructive feedback from peers provides valuable insights into your coaching style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Provides insights on strengths and areas for improvement. A peer sounding board helps coaches pinpoint areas where they excel and areas where they need further development.
- Encourages self-awareness and skill sharpening. Reflecting on peer feedback motivates coaches to refine their skills and improve their practice continuously.
- Continuous improvement through feedback loops. The ongoing cycle of receiving and providing feedback creates a continuous learning loop that encourages ongoing growth and development.
Enduring Support Network
- Fosters community. Engaging with your peers on a regular basis creates a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share common goals and challenges.
- Creates a network of like-minded individuals for support. Your network can provide ongoing support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. You don’t have to go it alone!
- Facilitates sharing of experiences and celebrating successes. Peer-to-peer coaching provides a platform for sharing successes, challenges, and best practices among colleagues, increasing the likelihood of many “ah-ha” moments.
- Enhances learning through camaraderie and ongoing support. A collaborative environment enhances the overall learning experience and provides an ongoing sense of camaraderie among participants.
Dual Learning Experience
- Benefits both coach and client. By taking turns acting as both coach and client, coaches develop a deeper understanding of the client experience and sharpen their empathy skills.
- Improves your understanding of the client’s perspective. This firsthand experience helps you develop greater empathy and compassion for your clients’ challenges.
- Enhances your ability to create better client experiences. By understanding the client’s perspective, coaches can tailor their coaching approach to meet the needs and preferences of each client.
Understand Diverse Perspectives
- Environment to understand and learn different perspectives. Peer group coaching provides an opportunity to learn from coaches with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and coaching styles.
- Cultivating empathy. By working with coaches from different backgrounds, you can develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy for individuals from all walks of life.
- Fostering inclusivity among new coaches. The peer coaching model fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for coaches from all backgrounds.
- Encouraging innovation. Exposure to different coaching styles and approaches encourages innovation and creativity in your coaching practice.
- Diverse perspectives can help you identify blind spots and other areas for improvement while discovering new approaches to coaching.
Higher Accountability and Motivation
- Coaches hold each other accountable for goals. Peer coaching provides a framework for accountability, with peers encouraging each other to stay on track and achieve their professional development goals.
- Setting clear expectations and deadlines for motivation. Setting clear goals and deadlines within the peer coaching group can increase motivation and drive.
- Increased engagement and agreement on goals. Working towards shared goals and objectives within the peer group can increase engagement and motivation.
- Positive reinforcement. Celebrating each other’s successes and providing encouragement can boost motivation and create a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Shared success. The collective success of the peer group can be a powerful motivator, inspiring each member to strive for excellence.
Expert Tips for How to Practice Coaching Skills
If you want to know how to improve coaching skills through a peer coaching practice group, we recommend following these steps:
Join a Peer Group in Your Industry
- Seek out peer-to-peer coaching groups within your specific coaching niche (e.g., executive coaching, life coaching, or career coaching).
- Consider joining local in-person groups or online groups to connect with coaches from around the world.
Set Clear Boundaries and Goals (for Each Session)
- Clearly define the purpose, scope, time, and desired outcomes of each coaching practice session.
- Establish clear time limits for each session to stay efficient and respect each other’s schedules.
Maintain Open Communication
Communicate openly and honestly with your peers about your expectations, concerns, and any challenges you may be facing.
Engage in Continuous Learning
Always be looking for opportunities to learn and grow, such as attending workshops, reading industry publications, and exploring new coaching methodologies. Going with your peer group can make these experiences even more effective.
Celebrate the Small Successes
- Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how small.
- This will foster a positive and encouraging environment within the peer group.
Evaluate and Adjust the Process
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your coaching practice sessions and make adjustments as needed.
- Discuss any challenges or concerns with your peer group and explore ways to improve the process.
Focus on Mutual Growth
- Remember that peer coaching is a mutually beneficial experience. You’re all in this together!
- Focus on supporting each other’s growth and development, while also seeking and receiving feedback on your coaching skills.
Find a Network of Coaching Peers Through Co-Active
At Co-Active Training Institute, we’ve been supporting coaches and their peer groups for more than 30 years. Our community-building programs offer opportunities for ongoing connection and collaboration with fellow Co-Active coaches. By joining our community, you’ll gain access to a network of like-minded professionals, including experienced coaches, mentors, and peer groups.
We invite you to explore our Co-Active Coach Training Program and discover how you can benefit from a supportive community of coaches and embark on a journey of continuous growth and development.
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