Hey PMC Community,
I've got something a bit different for you today—a more personal blog post where I share more about my long absences and how I am working through thoughts about how to carry PMC forwards. I've been reflecting on my journey with Peer Mentor Circles since I started in 2017, and I want to reconnect with this community more authentically.
Feeling Stuck and Seeking Support
When I started Peer Mentor Circles, I felt stuck. I wasn’t enjoying my job, was unsure about my career path, and had a particularly challenging manager. There weren’t many people I could talk to about it either. It felt like telling tales if I shared with those higher up in my organization, and the alternative was filing a formal grievance, which felt like overkill. It made me wonder how many others were facing similar struggles at work and if we should be talking to each other.
The Birth of Peer Mentor Circles
It started with a quick poll on Twitter, asking if people would find a space to discuss work-related challenges useful. Maybe five people said yes, encouraging me to plan a Skype call to share our work issues and explore potential solutions. The initial interest in the idea gained traction, and I quickly realised I needed a better platform to accommodate the additional people who wanted to join in. And so, although dormant right now, the concept of Peer Mentor Circles began to take shape.
From Repository to Community Hub
Initially, the Peer Mentor Circles website was meant to be a repository for call recordings. However, as time went on, I experimented with expanding its purpose. We grew from a small group of 10 to around 200 members. Although activity and engagement haven’t been what they were in quite some time. I want connection and community in the real sense of the word. I want conversations and support. I want to know what you need.
The Challenge of Restarting the Conversation
I want to restart the conversation within our community, but it feels like reaching out to a long-lost friend. Time has passed, and I don’t know if they still want to talk to me. The uncertainty leaves me wondering how to kick things off, so I thought I’d write to you if someone out there still needs this space.
Identifying the Audience and Purpose
One of the ongoing challenges I face is defining who Peer Mentor Circles is really for; me? You? Others? or Us. Initially, I tailored the content to individuals like myself—similar age, similar career stage. But as I matured, I questioned if I should widen the focus or continue growing alongside my original demographic - my peers. Balancing the desire to expand while staying true to our roots has been a dilemma for me. I made up my mind eventually.
If you are here, and the content means something to you, then I am here for you. Despite the uncertainties, I'm still here, ready to listen and learn, expand your perspective and navigate the ups and downs of work life and career growth together. It doesn't matter where you work or what you do; the fundamental skills for success remain unchanged.
Asking the right questions
Recently, I had a conversation with a senior colleague about my expertise. I wanted to know what it takes to be deemed an expert - how many years in the field, how many qualifications or certifications to know I am indeed an expert. They emphasized that true expertise comes from asking the right questions rather than having all the answers. It got me thinking: What questions are you asking as you approach your work? What insights are you gaining about yourself, your team, and the business you're in?
Still here for you
So, here we are. I'm embracing a more authentic and unpolished approach because, over the years, I've accumulated countless drafts that weren’t perfect, so I left unpublished. It's time to change that.
In case you're wondering, I'm still here for people who are where I was when I started this platform, hoping to help you (and myself) grow by sharing what we know. More content will be coming your way soon. Stay tuned!