Traditionally, most businesses adopt a hierarchical approach to leadership with a “leader” seen above others. This hierarchy can lead to a one-sided flow of information and a closed channel of communication. On the other hand, peer-to-peer relationships allow information to flow in both directions and is essential for building new leaders. Here, Ryan Rock, Ankeny, Iowa entrepreneur, elaborates on the importance of peer-to-peer communication.
Why Use Peer-to-Peer Teaching?
Typically, the assumption made in a company using a hierarchy is that those in leadership roles have knowledge that their employees need. They don’t consider that the flow of information and learning can function as a two-way street that enriches all.
For instance, in a traditional hierarchical system, leaders may have false assumptions about the best way to perform tasks. Feedback from those who take a hands-on approach and actually do the job can better inform decisions made by leadership and management.
Benefits of Implementing Peer-to-Peer Teaching
Numerous benefits come from implementing peer-to-peer teaching between those in leadership roles and the employees they lead.
- Peer-to-peer teaching can help to open the lines of communication. Rather than just passing down rules to be followed, team members can refine procedures through their experiences and opinions.
- It also offers a more efficient way of handling tasks, and delegation allows more to get done in a day. Those in leadership roles don’t always understand what their employees do to accomplish their job, and consistent peer-to-peer communication helps to remove that barrier.
- Employees at all levels feel appreciated when they have a chance to give feedback. This opportunity can motivate employees by letting them know their opinion is valued, and they will be happier in their respective positions when they know their voices are heard. These feelings of job satisfaction also help minimize turnover.
- Finally, employees at all levels can feel a sense of ownership in their positions and start learning more about what it takes to be a leader.
Tips on Starting Peer-to-Peer Teaching
The key to implementing peer-to-peer teaching in your company is communication. Here are more tips to help you start implementing a team experience in your office.
- Create an open-door policy. Let employees know that the leaders are on their side even though they’re in charge.
- Take advantage of cross-training opportunities for all. Many companies will use cross-training to ensure that departments are covered on sick days or vacations, but go a step further. Cross-train those in leadership. Seeing how a job is accomplished can help create better policies and procedures in the future.
- Do team building exercises. Team building exercises can seem like games, but they serve an essential purpose to let the core group know that they can depend on each other.
Building new leaders that can make a difference at any level of your company requires an innovative way of thinking. Implementing opportunities for peer-to-peer teaching between those in leadership roles and other employees can make a difference for the entire business. Expanding your staff’s leadership capabilities will be noticed by clients and can help your bottom line.
About Ryan Rock
Ryan Rock, Ankeny local, reflects strong skills in leadership, hard work, organization, and productivity. His high achievements and goal-oriented attitude is part of what makes him a successful business owner. In February 2018, Rock put his company, Empire AG, LLC, into motion. Empire AG, LLC, is a single source general contracting company for design and build in the Ag-Industrial construction industry. Empire AG, LLC employs a highly skilled team that will listen to their clients’ needs, and create a custom solution to meet them. This quality-service company is ready to lead any customer through all phases of a new or presently active project.