WHAT IS PEER MENTORING

David and Effiong have been friends for more than seven years. They discovered one another when David was transferred to Effiong’s school when they were in SS2. Their friendship was what most people would call “a match made in Heaven.” After graduating from secondary school, they both gained admission into a prestigious University in Nigeria, in the same department. After graduation, they served in the same state, and both got good jobs with reputable firms. They were like two peas in a pod.

They were the envy of many of their colleagues and mutuals, who wished they could be like them. Many of them wondered how two people could have such a relationship with both of them succeeding, and they wondered what the secret was. What they did not know was that it was not such a secret at all. David and Effiong were peer mentors.

Peer mentoring is a form of mentoring where two or more individuals who are of the same level, age, or expertise teach and learn from each other. It usually starts with the more experienced individual being in the role of the teacher/mentor. Still, as time passes, the other party would begin to share knowledge and experience also. Peer mentoring relaxes the ‘rigid’ lines of traditional mentoring.

In a peer mentoring relationship, both parties can be a teacher and student. It is a great way for mentoring teenager and youths and can also be effective between professionals within an organization, or two individuals who want to learn from one another. One of the advantages of peer mentoring is, it takes away the perceived or otherwise seniority that comes with a traditional mentor/mentee relationship. And this gives room for more freedom of communication between the parties involved.

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll be all together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you are already doing this; keep doing it.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG

Also, in peer mentoring, both parties gain from the relationship. Both parties also gain from conventional mentoring, but it is more even and balanced in peer mentoring. Peer mentoring is also a great channel for mentorship/leadership development, as it allows the participants also to mentor and lead.

Peer mentoring also eradicates the challenge of not finding a mentor. You have more access to your colleague on the same level with you than you do to your senior boss at work. Hence it enables individuals to still get counsel and advice even without being in a conventional mentoring relationship.

You might be wondering how to start peer mentoring. It is quite easy; follow these steps:

Find the right teammate: The first step is to find that colleague that is interested in the same things as you, make sure your career/professional/personal goals align. Also, do not look for someone that is exactly like you, remember the goal is to learn from each other.

Define your mission and set goals: Both parties need to discuss their expectations of one another and the relationship. Make sure your goals align, and your expectations are realistic. Define the purpose of the relationship.

Ask for help when you need it: Feel free to go to your teammate with your challenges and questions. And if you are both stuck, seek out a senior colleague or mentor.

Having read this, I hope you are considering peer mentoring if you need it, whether you have a mentor or not. It is a great way to develop your mentoring and leadership skills; it also develops you to be a team player.

Thank you for reading. What are your thoughts on peer mentoring? Please share them with me in the comment box.