The UO Peer Coaching Program leverages UO colleagues' talents to coach and support each other. It uses principles from Michael Bungay Stanier's acclaimed books, The Coaching Habit and How to Tame Your Advice Monster, to cultivate a culture of curiosity, active listening, and effective coaching within our community.
Peer Coaching Objectives
Develop coaching skills
Learn and practice the seven essential coaching questions from The Coaching Habit to foster deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Tame your Advice Monster
Understand and manage your impulse to give advice, enabling more empowering and insightful conversations.
Build a peer support network
Be part of a supportive environment where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes in lasting relationships with colleagues.
Who Should Participate
The peer coaching program is ideal for UO employees who want to enhance their coaching and feedback skills, improve their communication, and contribute to a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
The 2024-25 pilot is open to members of the HR Community of Practice, and to VPFA LEADS graduates. We're looking for both coaches and coachees. Both roles are open to anyone, regardless of your title or career stage.
Other colleagues are participating in a similar program this year through the UO Leadership Academy and Office of the Provost's Peer Leadership Coaching Program.
How to Participate
To participate in the 2024-25 pilot program, HR Community of Practice members and VPFA LEADS graduates should:
- Let us know that you are interested in learning more or participating by filling out our interest form.
- Sign up in MyTrack for the December 9 kickoff session and/or the practice session using these links:
- UO Peer Coaching Kickoff December 9, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Giustina Ballroom, Ford Alumni Center.
- Peer Coaching Practice Session December 9, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m OR 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Knight Library Browsing Room.
After the kickoff and practice sessions, by December 20, we will assign and notify coaching pairs. Pairs are encouraged to meet at least three times during winter term to connect and practice their skills.
Peer Coaching Roles
As a coachee, you will:
- Develop a community of peers.
- Connect with resources to support your ability to thrive.
- Learn to work through obstacles and overcome challenges and barriers.
- Experience the gift of being deeply heard, understood, and supported by a peer.
As a coach, you will:
- Engage in open dialogue about key issues and experiences in higher education.
- Develop deep listening skills and engage with new approaches for leading and mentoring.
- Gain new perspectives and ways of thinking from the coaching mindset.
- Enhance your active listening and communication skills and learn to avoid the "advice trap."