Peer Learning - A good return on investment?

The recession is an ideal occasion to use peer learning to both reassure and get inspiration in how to lead your organisation through this difficult time. Peer learning does not have a pre-determined programme, and for that reason may appear to be a risky enterprise in terms of your time and money. This article describes what peer learning is, how it works and discusses its many rewards and low level of risk.

It is often a struggle for you as chief executives and senior management to protect your own professional development 'space'; so ACEVO's aspiration is to ensure that the time committed both informs and refreshes, which is why we include peer learning in our menu of development activities.

A peer learning group is an effective way of attending to your own development whilst focusing on the needs of the organisation, enabling you to "work and learn simultaneously". It is therefore potentially an ideal vehicle for a chief executive's professional development, since it "engages the participants in a process of making connections between their learning and work experiences, to understand and change interpersonal and organisational practices."

The purposes of the learning group include:

· creating a forum to address current, complex work issues
· applying the combined knowledge and skills of the experience of the chief executives in the group
to each issue presented (a group 'consultancy')
· focusing the learning on 'getting things done'
· creating a management development opportunity through peers working together

The learning set has a clear structure, providing a rigour to the process and a framework for your thinking. Ground rules are agreed by the group which ensures a safe and supportive environment for exploring the more 'knotty' work challenges.

The ACEVO peer learning groups have five to seven members who meet for five 2 ½ hour sessions. An external facilitator acts as a guide, support and catalyst for the work of the group, providing insights only if asked. The format of meetings involves:

· The group members offering a brief update on their 'working world'
· Members presenting current situations and dilemmas that they need help addressing
· The group discussing the situation and options for action as they see it; with the presenter listening
· The presenter feeding back their thoughts and what they plan/want to do or think about
· The presenter reflects on the process - what they have learned and the actions they might take

Several members can present during the course of one meeting.

At the following meeting, previous presenters update the group on what they did about their respective situations, discussing any outcomes, achievements and learning. The structure of the peer learning is sufficiently flexible to respond to someone who brings a crisis or urgent matter to the group, whilst ensuring that individual and group learning is maximised by understanding "how others work - benefiting from their approach. Thus members can learn from colleagues with differing styles, but also appreciate the value of such differences"

There are many variations to the structure of peer learning sessions; for example some do not have an external facilitator but rotate the role amongst themselves. Other groups meet for far longer and some continue to meet and learn together over several years. What they all have in common is the approach to learning, the recognition that learning is about transferring insights or putting new understandings into practice - learning from the application and the intended and unintended outcomes it generates.

Peer learning can provide you with an insight into your own ways of working, insights into your colleagues work and strengths, a way of addressing real work issues, a positive and stretching appraisal by colleagues of your situation. It is a safe exploration of work relationships and interpersonal skills. A low risk and cost effective professional development activity.

"I continue to find these sessions really useful - the mutual support and opportunity to bounce ideas off other people is great, and the skilled facilitation is excellent too." Deborah Fowler, Age Concern Islington on Peer Learning groups.

Ruth Lesirge is a Visiting Fellow at CassBusinessSchool and professional development advisor to ACEVO. Email Ruth at ruth.lesirge@btinternet.com for further information on ACEVO's peer learning groups.

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