Hi there,
If you work in corporations, you already know that some workplaces are nice and supportive, and some are competitive and toxic.
To thrive in a supportive workplace or survive in a toxic one, you need to find yourself a battle buddy.
Before starting my PhD, as a part of my master’s thesis, I was looking at the health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers.
I evaluated their job stressors, level of burnout, and relationship with absenteeism and intention to leave their job.
I don’t want to bore you with the details of that research project, but here is a quote from the conclusion section of my thesis that I think is relevant to our conversation here:
“… facilitating peer social support and providing organizational support can buffer and mitigate the stressors to help people feel better, be more engaged with their work, and stay longer in their organization.
These findings suggest that boosting peer and organizational support skills is something that organizations can materially do to help retain their employees … (page 49).”
Top 7 Strategies to Find a Peer Support Circle and Connect with Like-Minded People
1. Attending Networking Events
Attend industry-specific networking events, conferences, and seminars.
These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals who share similar interests and goals.
Be proactive in initiating conversations and exchanging contact information.
2. Online Communities
Join relevant online forums, groups, or communities related to your industry or interests.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, or specialized forums offer spaces for professionals to connect, share experiences, and potentially find a battle buddy.
3. Professional Associations
Explore membership in professional associations related to your field. Attend their events, participate in workshops, and engage with members.
These associations often foster a sense of community and provide avenues for forming meaningful connections.
4. Mastermind Groups
Consider joining or forming a mastermind group. These are small, focused groups of professionals who meet regularly to discuss goals, challenges, and provide support to one another.
Mastermind groups can be powerful for mutual growth and accountability.
5. Industry Conferences and Meetups
Attend conferences and local meetups within your industry.
These events often attract professionals with a passion for their field. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and follow up with those you resonate with.
6. Volunteer Opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities aligned with your interests.
Volunteering not only allows you to contribute to a cause but also puts you in contact with professionals who share similar values.
These connections can potentially develop into a peer support circle.
7. Online Courses and Workshops
Enroll in online courses or workshops related to your professional interests.
These platforms provide a great opportunity to connect with peers.
Collaborating on course projects can also lead to the formation of supportive relationships.
The strategies outlined provide a comprehensive roadmap for professionals seeking meaningful connections within their respective industries.
Networking events, both physical and virtual, serve as dynamic arenas for initiating conversations and forging alliances.
Online communities and social media platforms offer accessible and expansive spaces for engagement, while professional associations and alumni networks create niches where shared backgrounds can blossom into valuable connections.
The concept of mastermind groups introduces a structured and collaborative approach to mutual development, emphasizing the power of collective wisdom.
Enrolling in online courses and volunteering not only expand knowledge and contribute to worthy causes but also present opportunities for building lasting connections.
These strategies collectively emphasize the importance of proactivity, genuine engagement, and patience in the search for a battle buddy and a peer support circle.
The connections forged through these strategies are long-term investments in your personal and professional health and wellness.
Networking, both in-person and virtually, is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires dedication and a genuine commitment to building authentic relationships.
The strategies provided are not exhaustive, but rather a starting point to inspire professionals to think creatively.
By adopting these strategies, you can improve your health and wellness, become happier, prevent burnout, and sustain healthy high performance.
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