Good Times Better – Bad Times Less Bad (Part 2)

In Part 1, I spoke on how most of my work troubles, malcontent, and sometimes bitter complaining had nothing to do with the job at all, and everything to do with my own internal struggles, maturity, and relationship with my coworkers.

Whether it was the work itself, the workplace, or the coworkers. At our best, supportive coworkers helped multiply the good, divide the bad, and sooth the ugly. Peer support is taking this coworker synergy and making it intentional. What I most like about peer support is that it is essentially provided by lowly co-workers, amateurs in the best sense of the word.

You can think of peer support like this: Imagine you are lost and alone in a big city (or in the woods if you prefer). Your cellphone is dead, and you are late for an important meeting. You have a vague recollection of the place you are supposed to go and know it is within walking distance, but can’t recall the building’s name or address. However, you would recognize the entrance if you saw it. Feeling forlorn and a bit frightened, a local person recognizes that you appear lost and afraid. They offer to walk around with you in hopes you find your way. Together you walk. A friend had this experience and likened it to peer support.