Page 134 - Leveraging Up ebook by Joanne Linden 2021 ACE Peer Network

Leveraging Up!

Build Trust and Camaraderie

Peer learning facilitators, listen for themes, capture key

ideas and resources, maximize time, and create opportunities for

participants to bond. Participants can concentrate on sharing and
learning, knowing that one person is keeping the conversation on

track and moving forward.

Ensure everyone feels safe and has a chance to participate.
Psychological safety is an important component in willingness to

learn, the sharing of ideas and admitting mistakes. Set aside time for

participants to get to know one another before tackling heavy topics.
Acknowledge and normalize the discomfort of being vulnerable and

set confidentiality guidelines. During each new peer learning

community’s first session, ask everyone to agree to the terms of
confidentiality, thoughtful discourse and respect toward one another.

Next, be aware of status dynamics — participants might be unwilling

to share their challenges if the assistant to their Manager’s Manager
is in the same peer group, or if an unfamiliar person is in the room.

Fireside Chats are now a popular session in which participants have

an informal, engaging and in-depth question-and-answer session.

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