Three useful Buddy system approaches

Buddy System


Buddy systems are used in sports to support, train and coach each other. Such approaches are also beneficial at work. Buddy systems can have very different purposes and be used in various ways. Therefore, it is essential to identify the needs of the company and implement a Buddy system which fits these needs. Three different approaches will be explained in this article to give some ideas on how Buddy systems can look like.

Onboarding Buddy

Onboarding Buddies are employees who are assigned to new employees. They support, answer questions and guide newcomers to settle in fast and smooth. Everyone can voluntarily be a Buddy. To foster relationship and knowledge sharing across departments, Buddies should be from different departments than the new employees.

Mutual buddies

The primary purpose of Mutual Buddies is joint learning, growing and knowledge sharing. Mutual Buddies meet regularly to talk about their ambitions, encourage each other and to provide feedback to each other. Employees can choose their Buddy. To foster collaboration between departments, Mutual Buddies should be from different departments.

Buddy as Mentor

This approach is for bold companies who dare to try something completely new. In that approach, team leads and managers get replaced by Buddies. They are mentors and coaches for others, and everyone can voluntarily become one. In order to be good mentors and coaches, they have to pass specific training such as Feedback giving, communication, leadership, and so on. Each Buddy is a mentor for approximately three mentees. They support and coach them regularly to help them grow and learn. Every employee has his or her own Buddy, and also Buddies have their Buddies. With that approach, a company creates a network of Mentors.