Are we utilizing peer relationships for growth? In this episode of Coaching Revealed, host Austin Matzelle interviews Roman Terekhin, whose primary research focus has been on peer coaching groups. Roman details the powerful professional and interpersonal change that occurs within peer coaching groups. He dives into his groundbreaking research, revealing what makes these groups so effective and how they can be a key to sustained professional development.

In this episode, Roman and Austin cover:

• The unique advantages of peer coaching groups in professional settings.
• Key factors that contribute to a group's effectiveness and sustainability.
• The critical difference between rigid accountability and responsive accountability.
• The role of professional facilitators versus self-facilitated groups.
• Practical advice for starting your own peer coaching group.

Episode Summary:

What is the unique impact of peer coaching groups on professional and personal growth? In this episode of Coaching Revealed, we interview Roman Terekhin, a researcher whose work is shedding light on this under-explored area of peer coaching.

Roman shares his journey from feeling stuck as an entrepreneur to joining a peer group that "ruined his ego in a good way." He explains that peers offer a unique kind of support as they have a shared understanding that formal training cannot always provide.

The conversation dives into Roman's research on what makes peer groups effective and sustainable. He defines them as small, egalitarian groups focused on mutual support for ongoing challenges; with his research on established business leaders indicating that confidence building is a major outcome. He also delineates the differences between peer coaching groups that exist with - or without - a facilitator.

A key finding in the effectiveness of these groups lies in Roman's distinction between rigid or push accountability, which is driven by deadlines, and responsive or pull accountability which is driven by support. His research suggests that responsive accountability is far more effective for the complex, long-term challenges often discussed in these groups.

For individuals looking to create, facilitate or join a peer coaching group, Roman provides practical advice on the framework - with careful consideration towards clear structure, mutual commitment, and balancing group composition for maximum benefit.