Peer coaching is a mode of Coaching in which two peers can act as coach for each other. It's helpful as it doesn't require one of them to have expertise in the coachee's goal. It does however require both parts have an agreement on how the sessions will proceed.
When in peer coaching mode, we should avoid jumping to *problem solving mode**, and instead help the other person explore the problems they have.
# Do
* Ask open questions that help explore the problem * Ask scaling questions to explore differences * Ask miracle questions to focus on the desired future * Look for opportunities to hold each other accountable * Reflect back what has been said without editorializing * Listen with empathy. Pay attention to tone of voice, body language, changes in energy level, etc. (global listening) * Allow the coachee to just vent.
# Don't
- Use leading questions - Jump into solution mode - Make interpretations on what you're being told - Give advice unless asked to - Reflect with own experiences and memories - Go into information gathering mode (eg. someone reaches out because they're annoyed about getting a parking ticket and you ask questoins like: "well, were you allowed to park there?")
## Examples of Questions you can Ask
**Open Questions**
* What's the problem? * Why is that? → Keep asking why * So what? * What happens if this changes? * What happens if this doesn't change? * What's your goal? * What have you decided to do? * How will you do it? * How will you know you're on the right track? * What obstacles do you have? * How will you get support? * What if it's harder than you think? * What's the next step? * What will be the impact to you and those around you? * What do you believe `_____` thinks of your behavior?
**Scaling Questions**
* On a scale from 0 to 10 how happy are you with this? → follow up with e.g. How has that changed? Why?
**Miracle Questions**
* If the problem was magically solved overnight, what do you imagine your day would be like?
**Commitment Questions**
* How can I, as a coach, reinforce this commitment?