Your peer relies heavily on your remote support. How can you encourage them to become more independent?

1 Assess Needs

Understanding the specific areas where your peer is most dependent is the first step towards promoting their independence. Engage in a candid dialogue to identify the tasks or decisions they feel less confident about. This assessment will help you pinpoint the exact support they require and the areas where they can start taking initiative. Your goal is to gradually build their capabilities in these areas, so they become less reliant on your assistance.

2 Set Goals

Once you've identified the areas of dependency, work with your peer to set realistic and achievable goals for their development. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, if they often seek help with report writing, a goal might be to independently complete a monthly report within the next three months. Clear goals give your peer a roadmap to follow and a sense of progress as they work towards self-sufficiency.

3 Provide Resources

Your colleague will need the right tools and resources to become more independent. Offer them manuals, guides, or links to online tutorials that are relevant to their tasks. If possible, share templates or examples of completed work that can serve as a reference. By equipping them with a library of resources, you enable them to find answers on their own, which is a key step in building their confidence and reducing their reliance on you.

4 Encourage Questions

Encourage your peer to ask questions, but guide them towards finding the answers themselves. When they come to you with an issue, resist the urge to provide an immediate solution. Instead, ask probing questions that lead them to think critically and problem-solve. This Socratic method of teaching helps them develop the analytical skills necessary to work independently while still providing a safety net as they learn.

5 Celebrate Progress

Recognizing and celebrating milestones is vital in building your peer's confidence. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, and provide positive feedback on their journey towards independence. This reinforcement motivates them to continue pushing their boundaries and reinforces the value of their efforts to become self-reliant.

6 Adjust Support

As your peer becomes more competent, gradually reduce the level of support you provide. This doesn't mean leaving them to fend for themselves; rather, it's about adjusting the balance between guidance and autonomy. Trust them to take on more responsibility and make decisions, but remain available for consultation. This adjustment period is crucial as it allows them to test their newfound skills in a safe environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?