The Value of Peer Leadership
Life can be tough at the top. With business problems and challenges only getting more and more complex it can be easy to feel alone as you lead your team. Recently there has been an increase in leaders looking for other leaders with whom they can share the journey. Here are some excerpts from an article on Peer Leadership published by Bruce Hoppe and Claire Reinelt of Leadership Networks.
Defining peer leadership
Peer leadership is where like-minded people in similar circumstances provide each other with relevant information and support when it is needed most. Peer leadership prioritizes listening and problem-solving among leaders in a safe environment outside the structures of power and authority within which they work. The best peer leadership programs recognize that leaders have as much to learn from each other as they do from outside experts.
The value of Peer Leadership Networks
Peer Leadership Networks support personal and leadership development. High-value Peer Leadership Networks embrace diversity and inclusion without losing a sense of shared identity. They give leaders an opportunity to ask for advice without having to be concerned about negative consequences from those they supervise or from those in authority.
Key characteristics of Peer Leadership Networks
The formation of close personal and professional relationships through bonding is a key characteristic of Peer Leadership Networks. Often this is intentionally facilitated in leadership development programs through face-to-face interaction to emphasize listening, dialogue, and storytelling; or by creating opportunities for leaders to work on projects together.
Some of the most important outcomes of Peer Leadership Networks
- Peer support. Listening to one another and providing support in order to reduce feelings of isolation
- Peer Coaching. Acting as sounding boards for one another to share stories and advice about challenges like how to manage boards, how to achieve financial sustainability, or how to build alliances for broader impact.
- Resources. Sharing resources with each other, e.g., speaking at each other's event, trading or providing services, getting quick reliable information to a question.
- Collaboration. Initiating joint inquiry or collaborations around shared issues and common problems.
Peer Leadership In Australia
There is now an opportunity for senior managers and leaders to participate in a Peer Leadership Network in Australia. The Proteus Leadership Centres offer ‘Boardroom Babble’ which includes 3 days of leadership development and discussion as well as access to a network of leaders through the ‘Babble Bubble’. For more information click here and contact the Proteus Leadership Centres.