Welcome to the Harvard University
Peer Coaching Initiative
A non-credit professional development opportunity made possible
by a grant from the OEDIB's Culture Lab Innovation Fund
Designed for Harvard Students who want to:
Develop their leadership and collaboration skills
Get to know (and appreciate) their peers from other parts of the University
Stay more centered and productive during their time at Harvard
The Peer Coaching Initiative allows you to:
Practice the essentials of listening and coaching, and earn a skills certificate
Build a high-trust relationship with an effective talking partner
(aka “peer coach”)
Talk through challenges with an objective and sympathetic listener
Last year's participants said:
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This is not a high time commitment, but IS very high value.
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An amazing opportunity to get to know yourself and practice a structured framework which helps you support others.
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The skills practiced in Peer Coaching were very transferable to other environments.
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Being vulnerable, respectful, and present are essential life skills we need in this time.... Peer coaching is a great way to practice those skills.
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It will make you a better partner, parent, friend, and colleague.
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Creating space for reflection is key to personal development. This commitment requires you to engage in that self-reflection.
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It's an enjoyable way to become a better human being!
Here is how it works:
Complete a
survey
...to apply to be in the program, help us find you a great talking partner, and also help us evaluate program impact.
Just click "register" below!
01
Get oriented
Join the Canvas course and watch, read and respond
(about 1 hour) so that you can
1. Learn the principles of effective peer coaching
2. Set goals for yourself, both as a coach and coachee
02
watch a live demo and practice
Join your cohort in a safe and confidential setting so that you can
1. Meet each other
2. See a "learning conversation" (aka "convu") in action
3. Try it out for yourself
03
04
coach and be coached
Meet your talking partner once a week
for one hour -- at a time and place of your choosing
1. Talk through your most pressing challenges and opportunities
2. Help your talking partner do the same
3. Briefly reflect and give each other feedback
05
share insights and get support
Join three or more of the 75 minute group check-in sessions offered on a weekly basis.
1. Reflect on what you and others are learning
2. Learn how to handle particular challenges that come up
06
Reflect on your experience
Complete a survey that will help you reflect on your experience AND help us keep improving the Harvard University Peer Coaching Initiative
Want more info?
Watch this 5-minute pitch to the Culture Lab Innovation Fund:
Hear the program founders describe its origins and what's in it for you (13 mins):
Are you looking for speaking practice in a second language (including English)? The Language Exchange (also a CLIF-grant winner) allows Harvard affiliates to search a database for partners with whom they can “exchange” conversation. Register here.