“Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.”
– Amy C. Edmondson
Peer review training and coaching based on the process of Nonviolent communication
Peer review based on Nonviolent communication
In our peer review training sessions we use the principles of Nonviolent communication developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. Peer review or intervision is a structured form of reflection in which professionals support one another with questions, dilemmas and challenging situations arising from practice. Participants support and learn with and from one another, without there being any hierarchy or assessment. Depending on the purpose of a peer review, there is choice from various peer review methods.
Peer review requires an environment in which people feel free to share their experiences, ask questions and explore uncertainties or frustrations. At the same time learning sometimes also means that we accept tensions or differences in opinion. That is why we like to talk about ‘brave space’: a space in which both safety and courage have a place. A place where participants are invited to speak openly about what is on their minds and listen to each other. And to explore different perspectives and to use mistakes as a source of learning. In such an environment professional and personal development can reinforce each other.
Why is Nonviolent Communication so suitable for peer coaching / intervision?
Rosenberg’s process model of ‘Nonviolent Communication’ consists of three processes and four elements that align perfectly with peer supervision. Nonviolent Communication focuses on what we actually perceive, what we feel in a situation, which needs play a role in it, and which choices are subsequently possible. Examining situations from this perspective creates greater understanding of ourselves and of others.
Peer review becomes therefore a space for practice in empathic listening , sharing honestly what is going on, and to become aware of your own reactions and patterns. The aim is not to change anyone or to convince them, but to experience greater clarity and connection in communication.
What do you learn in a peer review training course?
In our peer review training sessions we guide you through the steps to decide which situations you wish to discuss and which roles there are in a peer review meeting. We will show what most suitable peer review method is for which purpose. And we will start practicing straight away with various forms of peer review based on Nonviolent communication.
Many participants find that peer review helps look at situation at work in a new way. It can contribute to greater insight into communication and collaboration:
- more empathy for different perspectives
- greater awareness of one’s own patterns and reactions
- more confidence in having difficult conversations
- more calm and clarity in difficult situations
Peer review can therefore not only help with specific questions, but also with the development of a more conscious and connective way of working.
Different methods of peer review / intervision
In peer review based on Nonviolent Communication we work with various methods, depending on the request from the participant and the needs of the group. Sometimes the emphasis is on empathetic listening and acknowledgement, for example when a situation is emotionally charged. In other cases we examine a situation step by step at a time based on observation, feeling, need and request. It can also help to consciously explore different perspectives or to stand by what is perceived in the body. These working methods make peer review into a vibrant learning process in which both thinking, feeling and experiencing are given a place to thrive.
Peer review training for your team?
Peer review can be valuable for professionals who work with people and regularly have to deal with complex communication or collaboration. For example for:
- teams within organisations
- managers and professionals
- trainers, coaches and facilitators
- professionals in healthcare, education and social organisations
It can help when there is a need for reflection, deepening understanding and learning from experiences gained in practice.
Would you like to explore whether peer review based on Nonviolent communication could mean something for your team or organisation? Please feel free to contact Boris Nauta (boris@equanimity.nu) for an introductory meeting. We would be happy to help think through a format that suits your practical needs and learning objectives. Consider for example a training course in which teams learn how they themselves peer review can facilitate or one or more facilitated peer review sessions.
Want to order Equanimity cards?
By popular request, the coaching cards from our training sessions can now also be ordered online. The cards are in stock in Dutch and English. Other languages can be produced upon request. Order