Using Peer Advisory as a Tool for Growth

What is Peer Advisory—and Why Now?

Think of a peer advisory group as a board of directors: 6-12 peers at a similar altitude who meet regularly to surface hard questions, test ideas, and call out blind spots. In a Dun & Bradstreet study of 1,400 small- and mid-sized companies, leaders who belonged to a peer group grew revenue 9.3 percentage points faster than non-members during the pandemic downturn — a stark reminder that collective wisdom beats lone-wolf leadership.

Other research echoes the lift: members report sharper decision-making, greater confidence, and a deeper sense of accountability.

Four Outcomes Leaders Can’t Ignore

Outcome	How Peer Advisory Delivers
Motivated, resilient teams	You pressure-test motivation tactics with experienced peers before rolling them out at work.
Accelerated growth & innovation	Exposure to diverse industries short-circuits group-think and sparks fresh approaches.
Trust-rich culture	You model vulnerability and active listening in the group—skills that transfer straight to your own team.
Leadership development at scale	Every session is a live practicum in coaching, feedback, and strategic thinking.

Choosing the Right Issue to Bring

Ask yourself:

1. What decision, opportunity, or problem is keeping me up at night?

2. Would outside perspectives materially move me forward?

3. Is this topic ripe for collective learning?

A good litmus test: if it affects revenue, strategy, or your relationships, it usually belongs.

Examples:

• “I inherited a team that doesn’t trust me.”

• “As the only woman of color on the exec team, I’m stuck doing the ‘office housework.’”

• “I’m juggling market headwinds and my own anxiety as the family breadwinner.”

Rules of Engagement: How Great Peer Sessions Run

Principle	What It Looks Like in Practice	Why It Matters
Confidentiality	“Vegas rules”—what’s said here stays here.	Creates psychological safety.
Equal Airtime	Timer or facilitator keeps talk-time balanced.	Prevents hijacking & groupthink.
Ask, Don’t Tell	Start with clarifying questions before offering advice.	Ensures the real issue—not the symptoms—is addressed.
Candor with Care	Challenge ideas, never the person.	Drives honest feedback while protecting trust.
Action & Accountability	Presenter states a next step; group circles back next meeting.	Converts insight into measurable progress.
Respect the Clock	60–90 minute agenda; hard stops.	Honors busy executives’ time.

(For more etiquette tips, see Forbes Coaches Council’s “14 Ways to Keep Peer-to-Peer Coaching on Track.”)

A 60-Minute Sample Meeting Blueprint

Time	Step	Purpose
5 min	Quick check-in round	Build connection; surface urgent wins/concerns.
10 min	Issue framing by Presenter	Facts and feelings; ends with a clear “ask.”
10 min	Clarifying-question round (no advice yet)	Dig for root causes.
15 min	Advisory round	Peers share experiences, frameworks, resources.
5 min	Presenter playback	Summarizes biggest takeaways.
10 min	Commitment & wrap	Presenter states next action; group sets follow-up.
5 min	Meta-reflection	What worked in today’s process? What can we improve?

Facilitators can rotate or remain steady, but someone must guard the process so participants can dive into content.

Starter Checklist

1. Curate with care: 6-10 members, non-competing industries, mixed expertise; or internal teams

2. Draft operating guidelines: circulate the engagement rules above.

3. Schedule regular cadence: monthly (face-to-face or virtual).

4. Leverage simple tech: shared drive for agendas, Loom or Otter for optional recaps.

5. Measure impact: track decisions made, KPIs moved, and qualitative wins.

Ready to Experience the Power of Peer Advisory?

If you're craving a space where you can speak candidly, think more strategically, and be supported by leaders who truly get it—I'd love to invite you into a peer coaching group I’m currently forming.

As a certified executive coach and facilitator, I’ll guide our sessions with structure, empathy, and depth. This is for leaders who are serious about growth—not just for their teams, but for themselves.

We’ll meet monthly in a small, curated group of professionals across industries to work through real-time challenges, exchange wisdom, and hold space for reflection and forward motion.

Interested in joining or learning more?Click here to submit your interest or send me a note at kristen@simpledetails.life.

Let’s create a space where you don’t have to carry leadership alone.