Learn some tips on how to make the most of your peer and mentor relationships in field service. Boost your skills, knowledge, and performance with their help.

I was a field service technician for 30 years with Biodex medical system. After a buyout, I became a field service technician for Stryker. Even though I had 30 years experience, there’s so much to learn from those that have been in that particular segment of the industry. you can’t just walk in and because you have so much experience think you’re going to know it all. I’ve learned so much from the guys.

What are the best ways to learn from your field service peers and mentors?

Field service technicians face unique challenges and opportunities in their work, such as dealing with complex equipment, diverse customers, and changing environments. To succeed in this dynamic field, you need to constantly learn new skills, update your knowledge, and improve your performance. One of the best ways to do that is to learn from your field service peers and mentors, who can offer you valuable insights, feedback, and support. In this article, we will share some tips on how to make the most of your peer and mentor relationships in field service.

1 Seek feedback and advice

One of the benefits of having peers and mentors in field service is that they can give you honest and constructive feedback and advice on your work. Whether it is a technical issue, a customer complaint, or a personal challenge, you can always reach out to someone who has more experience or a different perspective than you. Feedback and advice can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, solve problems, and avoid mistakes. To get the most out of feedback and advice, you should be open-minded, respectful, and willing to act on the suggestions you receive.

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Christopher Senzamici

Stryker Field Service Technician - Central Florida Region
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I was a field service technician for 30 years with Biodex medical system. After a buyout, I became a field service technician for Stryker. Even though I had 30 years experience, there’s so much to learn from those that have been in that particular segment of the industry. you can’t just walk in and because you have so much experience think you’re going to know it all. I’ve learned so much from the guys.

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💥 Rev. Jonathan Golden💥

Dynamic CEO & Ordained Minister | 15+ Years Leading in Critical Power Systems | Expert in Automated Switchgear, Strategic Growth, & High-Performance Operations
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As a seasoned Field Engineer working with switchgear, particularly automated paralleling switchgear you get a hero mentality. Our customers need us and the nature of the business can easily feed our ego's. The downside of this is we often don't call for help at the beginning when it would be easiest. Just because we have experience doesn't mean we know everything or are immune from making mistakes or missing the simple things. Make a call to a colleague and reach out for advice, you would be surprised how often just describing the problem will bring an "aha" moment of clarity, even if it doesn't two minds are better than one!

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2 Share your knowledge and experience

Another way to learn from your peers and mentors is to share your own knowledge and experience with them. You may have skills, tips, or stories that can benefit others in your field. Sharing your knowledge and experience can help you build trust, confidence, and rapport with your peers and mentors. It can also help you reinforce your learning, discover new ideas, and gain recognition for your expertise. To share your knowledge and experience effectively, you should be clear, concise, and relevant.

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Ross Leonard

Certified Marine Analyst @ Mustang CAT - Innovator, Practical, Mechanically Inclined, Growth Mindset
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One thing I found helpful with teaching new or even experienced colleagues is, as you're teaching it, you are also reiterating the task to yourself, further reinforcing the knowledge you have on it. So, always look to help your coworkers with something, as it can also benefit you in your daily experience. As they say, if you don't use it, you lose it!

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3 Join online communities and forums

A great way to expand your network of peers and mentors in field service is to join online communities and forums where you can interact with other professionals in your industry. Online communities and forums can provide you with access to a wealth of information, resources, and opportunities. You can ask questions, answer queries, exchange opinions, and learn from the best practices and experiences of others. You can also find mentors, partners, or friends who can support you in your career development. To join online communities and forums, you should be respectful, helpful, and active.

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4 Attend training and events

Another way to learn from your peers and mentors in field service is to attend training and events that are relevant to your field. Training and events can help you update your skills, knowledge, and certifications. They can also help you meet new people, network, and exchange ideas. You can learn from the trainers, speakers, and participants who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise than you. You can also get feedback, advice, and referrals from them. To attend training and events, you should be prepared, attentive, and engaged.

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5 Seek challenges and opportunities

One more way to learn from your peers and mentors in field service is to seek challenges and opportunities that can help you grow and improve. Challenges and opportunities can help you test your skills, knowledge, and abilities. They can also help you learn new things, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals. You can seek challenges and opportunities by taking on new projects, tasks, or roles; volunteering for extra work or responsibilities; or applying for promotions or transfers. You can also seek guidance, support, and encouragement from your peers and mentors along the way.

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6 Be grateful and respectful

The last tip we have for you is to be grateful and respectful to your peers and mentors in field service. They are valuable sources of learning, inspiration, and support for you. They can help you advance your career, enhance your performance, and enjoy your work. You should appreciate their time, effort, and contribution to your development. You should also respect their opinions, feedback, and advice, even if you disagree or have different preferences. By being grateful and respectful, you can build strong and lasting relationships with your peers and mentors in field service.

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Andrew Shaw

Mechanical Engineer
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Being able to fix equipment is just a single facet of a field service role, and it takes a lot more than just being able to make repairs to be successful in these types of positions. Good relationships with peers can make your life both easier and more rewarding by sharing experiences and building camaraderie. I firmly believe that noone knows it all and would challenge each reader to approach our colleagues and peers with a receptive mindset to see how we can learn from each other. Never stop learning!

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Joseph C.

Field Service Manager at REA JET US
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As an FSM I try to facilitate this in my team. Hey "x" "y" just did a job just like this you should give them a call and get the scoop on what to expect and what works best for that application. It shares the knowledge and builds the base.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Michael Carter

Retired from Hospira
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Customer communication is a vital but often overlooked facet to successful Field Service operations. Keeping the customer updated in real time goes a long way toward being able to overcome challenges caused by logistic or supply chain issues. Most customers will be understanding and cooperative if they feel that they are being given the latest information you have. I have seen cases where good customer communication has saved their continued business with a company.

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What are the best ways to learn from your field service peers and mentors?

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1 Seek feedback and advice

2 Share your knowledge and experience

3 Join online communities and forums

4 Attend training and events

5 Seek challenges and opportunities

6 Be grateful and respectful

7 Here’s what else to consider

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