Developing the talents, skills, and knowledge of team members is not a solo act for team leaders. Without the help of the entire team to pitch in and assist with ongoing improvement, not enough attention and enhancement take place.
On the best teams, peers serve as guides, coaches, accountability partners and reverse mentors for each other. At any point in time, almost everyone has a short-term assignment to work with and improve others based upon their strengths.
Then, a funny thing happens on the way to the coliseum, as they say.
Team leaders receive a second benefit, in addition to more team member skill development. They quickly learn that those who coach others are more receptive to the coaching efforts of the leader.
Colleagues who become accustomed to pitching in and helping others through concentrated tutelage receive feedback much differently. Being on the supply side of the feedback equation makes them receptive to the leader’s feedback. By serving in the role of coach for a colleague, they naturally reevaluate the purpose of criticism and how important it is for improving performance.
No one on the team serves permanently as a mentor or coach for a colleague. Instead, they take on brief assignments where they get colleagues up to speed, show them how to make the most out of a technology, practice skills together, or give each other critical feedback, as examples.
Leaders constantly dole out these assignments, making sure not to overlook the possibility of reverse mentoring where juniors assist seniors in areas of their know-how and strength.
On high-performing teams, it is common to find that everyone has (or has completed) a coaching assignment with a peer recently. This creates an expectation and climate for learning that enhances team performance.
Not only does peer coaching develop the leadership skills of those who serve as coaches, but it also fosters deeper and more committed relationships between team members. The advantages of this approach are far too numerous to ignore.
Not surprisingly, leaders find more enjoyment in working with team members who are highly receptive to their advice and understand what it means to wear their shoes.
The best leaders know an unguarded secret: Unlocking the full potential of the team requires all hands on deck. Everyone is a leader on a great team.
Peers coaching peers unleashes a learning and performance mindset in a more powerful way than any one leader could achieve on their own. Great leaders make it a point to leverage the talents of the entire team to achieve better results. Perhaps you should consider adopting this best practice for your team.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
