Tips on supporting peers

So this post is some specific tips for those supporting or mentoring peers, specifically in the world of digital and tech.

FYI I’m no expert counsellor nor do this for a living; but I am both a mentor and someone who adjudicates on community awards (part of which is reviewing peer support).

1 Support don’t tell

This is a mistake a lot of people can make, that being thinking supporting people is to tell them what to do, because you have done it before or think you know best. Reality is we are all different and come at things from different angles.

We need empathy and understanding. Putting ourselves in others shoes to be able to truly help and support them. So put down your ego, your rank and listen.

2 It’s ok to not know the answer

Especially in the mentor/ mentee world the assumption is the mentor knows everything. In most cases they do have relevant awareness, but they still wont know everything. So if your a mentor feel free to say I don’t know. Just make sure together you work on solving the issue so you both learn (and thus know) for next time.

3 Be there

By this I mean two things. First be there in the space. When you do meet, put all your other things to one side. Give your peer your full attention.

Also plan your meet-ups. Get things in the calendar, get some structure to your support. Your peer will feel more supported knowing you are there for the long haul not just a one off 5 min call.

4 It will help you in the long term

Supporting people eats into your own time. But thats fine as what you get back from this far outways the time given. You will learn new things from your peers. You will learn new skills in communication and people management. And most of all you will grown your network, a network which will often support you back!