🎧 Prefer to listen? You can hear this topic discussed in my companion audio episode on peer coaching.
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to coach someone else than to coach yourself? That’s one of the reasons I love peer coaching—it keeps us sharp, supported, and surrounded by others who “get it.”
What Peer Coaching Is
Peer coaching (sometimes called reciprocal peer coaching) is simply two or more coaches coming together to practice their craft. In a two-person setup, one coaches while the other receives coaching—and the next session, they switch roles.
A step up from this is a coaching triad, which includes a coach, a client, and an observer. The observer’s neutral perspective brings an extra layer of insight and helps both the coach and client see what they might otherwise miss.
Why It Works
When we build these kinds of relationships, we get to both give and receive coaching. It’s a safe place to stretch new muscles—try a more direct approach, practice using more silence, or experiment with new questions—without the pressure of a paying client.
Feedback is what makes it even more powerful. When shared thoughtfully, feedback turns every session into a learning lab. The trick is to focus on the coaching, not on the client’s issue. That keeps the feedback grounded and useful.
My Experience with Peer Coaching
I’ve participated in several peer coaching rounds over the years, and I’ve grown from each one. Some of my partners came from entirely different coach training programs, and I learned a lot from their approaches—sometimes what to try, and sometimes what not to do.
One of my very first peer partners is still connected with me fourteen years later. She’s been both a coaching partner and a client, and we’ve shared a lot of growth along the way.
Not every peer partnership is a perfect match, but every single one has offered something valuable—skills, insight, or genuine friendship.
Getting Started
If you’d like to experience this kind of mutual growth, you have options:
• The ICF Reciprocal Peer Coaching Program offers structured rounds for ICF members.
• ReciproCoach runs themed coaching rounds where you can practice specific skills or prepare for your credential application.
• Within Coaches in CAHOOTS, you can also sign up for coaching triads with fellow members.
Whichever route you choose, set clear agreements, honor confidentiality, and remember—you’re both learning. Treat each other with the same professionalism you’d offer any client.
Final Thoughts
Peer coaching reminds us that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through practice, presence, and partnership. Whether you’re sharpening your skills or rediscovering your curiosity as a client, it’s a beautiful way to keep learning—and to keep coaching fun.
