Buddy teams

What are buddy teams?

The buddy system is a procedure in which two individuals, the "buddies", operate together as a single unit, so that they can monitor and help each other. The first known use of the phrase "buddy system" goes back to 1942. Here it was defined as "an arrangement in which two individuals are paired (as for mutual safety in a hazardous situation).”

The buddy system implies working together in pairs in a larger group. Both of the individuals have to do the job together, with the “together”-part being the central element.

What are the advantages of buddy teams?

Among other places, the buddy system is used in the United States Armed Forces. Here, the main benefit of the system is improved safety each may be able to prevent the other from becoming a casualty or rescue the other in a crisis.

In our courses, buddy teams use sparring-sessions to strengthen integration and the practical transferability of the insights that the participants are given.

The buddy system can be used as part of training or the induction of newcomers to an organization, the less experienced buddy learns more quickly from close and frequent contact with the experienced buddy than when operating alone. This helps them digest the quite large amount of feedback and learnings that they get.