The intervision method is based on the principle that you learn from colleagues. It is a form of group learning. In a safe environment, you collectively tackle a common challenge or problem. The purpose of intervision is to create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where all opinions and statements are accepted. Intervision develops a learning culture in the organization

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The intervision method versus supervision

Intervision differs from supervision because of the hierarchy and level of exchange between professionals. Supervision consists of training others and viewing them and their work from above. Intervision, on the other hand, is learning from others and seeing them and their work from within, together and mutually. Terms such as peer learning, peer assistance and group supervision are also used as synonyms for the peer supervision method. The peer supervision method is usually carried out by four to six people

The principles of intervision method

The intervision method does not require an outside expert. All participants are employees, at the same level, and participate in sessions aimed at helping each other understand and solve a problem. At the end of each intervision, participants find new and useful ways to address a challenge in the work context or space

For example, a challenge might be conducting better usability testing or prioritizing the roadmap. Also see induction program examples or assessments

The benefits of the intervision method

Intervision has several benefits for participants:

• • Improved professional skills. Sharing expertise and coming up with new ideas and solutions to address challenges they face in their daily lives helps participants develop and improve their skills. Also called incident method intervision.

• • Emotional effects: Intervision has been found to reduce the risk of burnout because of the emotional support shown during an intervision session. Participants feel heard, which makes them feel more valued and motivated to put in more effort. This has a positive effect on their productivity.

• • Social Effects: Intervision is a social activity. It provides a platform to strengthen social networking and exchange among colleagues. It helps those involved feel a part of the organization and creates a stronger bond with colleagues. Helping each other results in a stronger team.

• • New Perspectives: Sharing during peer review helps participants gain a broader perspective and greater understanding of the various challenges they face.

• • Skill development: participating in peer review helps develop skills such as improvement in communication, active listening, empathy, creative thinking, problem solving, analysis, collaboration, professional networking and much more.

Process of intervision

Diversity in the group and the input of different and diverse perspectives is the key to successful intervision. Respect and curiosity are crucial. The goal is to learn from each other and exchange experiences. The differences between groups, such as culture, ethnicity, race, age and experience, are what make intervision so interesting. Therefore, mutual respect is essential. Diversity in the group is essential.  However, the group must also have a lot in common so they can relate to the problems each is facing

1. 1. During each intervision session, a participant must bring in a current topic to be discussed at some point.

• • A designated participant, the case presenter must come up with a real problem that he or she is facing and finds it difficult to come up with a solution on his or her own.

• • Next, the case presenter presents the situation. What is the challenge or problem?  How does he feel and how would he try to face it?

• • After the presentation, the reflective team asks questions to clarify their understanding of the problem. The reflective team comes together, without the presenter, to brainstorm, discuss and share their understandings of the problem. The goal is to come up with solutions and suggestions for the problem.

• • The group then summarizes their reflections and recommendations while the case presenter listens and takes notes.

• • The peer review ends with the case presenter’s briefing: what he heard, how he values these recommendations and what he will implement.

Why would you use the intervision method?

The intervision method helps create solidarity in a group and makes people aware of their ability to learn from experiences. It promotes the idea that participants can learn from each other and not just from an outside expert. The mindset behind the peer review process is based on the sense of belonging to a group and contributing to the common goal of the team

Try it!

Now you are ready for your first intervision session! If you want to learn from each other and solve problems you are facing professionally, intervision is one of the most efficient ways. You only need to follow a few simple steps. Supervision, team meetings and case discussions also exist. Intervision, however, gives the team a safe space. You learn from each other while strengthening the bond with your colleagues

Intervision is actually learning to work together differently. If you want to learn more about how you can onboarding and pre-boarding with gamification models and E-learnings please take a look at ENBOQ