The following factors contribute to the success of Peer Learning Projects designed to share best practices, to grow the professional capabilities of the group, and  have peers support one another to productively address the challenges they face. The most important aspect of the project is how well participants prepare for, participate in, and interact with others during Learning Group conference calls and meetings. Each participant can contribute to the success of the Peer Learning Group:

1. Prepare. Prior to each call or meeting, spend 10-15 minutes thinking through the discussion questions. Reflect on what you want to learn and potential questions to ask peers. Give the team the benefit of your thoughtful preparation.
2. Actively Participate. Be fully present during the call or meeting. Minimize multi-tasking such as writing emails or completing other work.
3. Respect Others and their Ideas. Bring an open mind to the calls. When conflicting opinions arise, try to understand how another’s response could be true for them. Ask yourself what is behind their thinking. Remember there are many potential answers and solutions to each question or challenge.
4. Be Candid. Express your opinions openly and honestly. Use the learning team as an environment to share thoughts, challenges, ideas, and perspectives that you may be unable to discuss in other settings.
5. Stretch Yourself. Use the calls as an opportunity to reach beyond your regular perspectives and frames of reference to see how the situation looks to others. Imagine the what-ifs and a full range of possibilities to see issues in a new light, rather than to defend what you already believe.
6. Minimize Disruptions. Press mute when you are not speaking to avoid outside noises. Take the call in a place where you are not likely to be interrupted. Avoid cell phone connections when possible. Do not place the call on “hold” as this often creates disturbing sounds or music for the other participants.
7. Protect Confidences. Conversations will be most candid if everyone agrees to keep discussions confidential.
8. Build Relationships. Use the Learning Group to broaden your network of peers and colleagues. Follow up with fellow participants in between calls on ideas that came up.