top of page

  1. What does PB-JAM do?

    • Individualized, visible, verifiable, and sustainable professional development

    • Nurture meaningful, curated professional networks that are built around you

    • Provide an evolving, science-driven platform for peer-based behavior strengthening relevant to professional progress and growth

    • Support and participate in valuable research in management sciences
       

  2. How does PB JAM work?
    PB JAM is a subscription-based platform community of like-minded people who want to improve their professional capabilities. These capabilities set you apart from your colleagues and, if honed correctly, can make you significantly more valuable at work. While crucial, work behaviors that contribute to strong capabilities are not generally taught in universities or professional courses. Our science-based tools, insights, and feedback from your stakeholders and PB JAM platform peers allow you to reflect on your behaviors and the changes that you are consciously trying to make.  Over time, the ongoing interactions will help you achieve sustainable changes to professional behaviors, creating visible changes in your work life and improving your satisfaction.
     

  3. How do I get matched with a peer group?
    Your peer group recommendations are based on the profile you fill out and edit over time, as well as the self-assessment. The matching algorithm takes into consideration your environment (years of experience, professional field, geography) and your personal makeup (goals and capabilities). There is no such thing as a perfect match, and the imperfections help you adapt (a critical workplace skill!).
     

  4. How large are the peer groups? How stable are they?
    The typical peer group size recommended is 3.  Our groups are reasonably stable as we ask each peer to commit for 12 weeks at a time (per group).
     

  5. I’ve never coached anyone. How do I know what to advise people in my group?
    PB JAM is not Peer Coaching, and we do not expect you to have any special coaching skills. Our session structures, based on modern management science, help you provide and receive actionable feedback. Over time, the PB JAM platform's tools, insights, and interactions will help you become effective in listening to, understanding, and advising your peers, a skill critical in your work life.
     

  6. What do I do about confidential information?
    Dealing with confidential information is part and parcel of our professional life.  Do follow the same guidelines you use while going to trade shows, conferences, or meeting new suppliers, consultants, or customers.  If in doubt, ask your work supervisor or HR. For example, it may be okay to say that you are under pressure to hit sales target for this quarter, but not okay to provide specific information about your work (e.g., it is not OK to say your company aims to sell 100 Mio USD of product X, and so far you have hit only 70 Mio USD).
     

  7. Can I choose my peer group?
    PB JAM's default practice is to recommend peers based on your profile, but nothing prevents you from forming your peer group, either.  We are here to help you!     Reach out to us with your requests!
     

  8. How often should my peer group meet?
    It takes time to change behaviors. We ask first-timers to commit to 12 consecutive weekly sessions of 90-120 minutes each (the 3-5 group members and their assigned facilitator decide on a mutually convenient time and day of the week for meetings). Once you have done five or more 12-week cycles, you can set your frequency and times for meetings - though we still recommend at least weekly dialogue.  Your group chat is always open, so feel free to share your thoughts and feedback as frequently as you want.  These notes will help the group prepare for dialogue and reduce the time needed to bring everyone "up to speed" in every meeting.
     

  9. Is there a structure for the peer group meeting?
    Yes! For all your sessions, we have designed scientifically curated outlines and content.  Each contains a structure with tools and guidelines. Also, our sessions are shepherded by experienced Facilitators.  As we learn through the groups, we continue to evolve these session outlines/structures to make them more effective for you.
     

  10. Is there a guided process through which I can work on my behaviors?
    Yes! Our session structures, driven by science, provide easy-to-follow guidance without the need to retain learning. As the underlying assumption of PB JAM is that the "power to change yourself lies within you," we avoid spoon-feeding and instead provide you with our experienced facilitators to help you stay the course.
     

  11. How do I know if my behaviors are changing successfully?
    You should notice the first changes - depending on the behavior area you are focusing on; these may manifest as lower stress, better interactions, shorter task times, etc. We also ask your PB JAM peer group and your work colleagues (you can decide whom to select) to evaluate your progress.  If most of the feedback paints the change in your chosen behavior as positive and consistent, you are on the right track.
     

  12. My manager thinks that the behavior I am focusing on is getting worse. What do I do?
    Discuss tangible instances when the behavior worsened with your supervisor.  Note it down as clearly as possible and as objectively as possible.  Reflect on the facts as well as perceptions.  Bring these notes and reflections to your next peer session and seek feedback (respecting the confidentiality of your workplace information!).  If there are changes you can make, start!  Next time you exhibit an improvement in the behavior, check in with your manager about it and ask if your perception matches your manager.  Repeat this process of requesting and responding to targeted feedback until either a) Your manager also sees improvement or b) You understand the difference in perception between you and your manager and can explain it to your Manager.  Also, remember there is nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree in certain instances!
     

  13. I need to focus on changing two or three behaviors at a time. What should I do?
    Though the platform supports up to three behaviors in parallel per peer per group, we recommend starting with one behavior of Level 1 or 2 for your first couple of groups and then slowly reaching for three behaviors once you have 5-6 successful groups (12-week cycles) under your belt.  Discuss with your peer group and facilitator, then choose the number of behaviors you all feel comfortable with.  We request that you initially keep with one behavior at a time to ensure enough bandwidth for you, your peers, and your work colleagues to provide for this sustainable change.  Sometimes, less is more!
     

  14. How long should I focus on one behavior before moving on to the next one?
    Though one can spend a lifetime improving a single behavior, we have a much more practical view of the length of time. Focus on selected behavior for 6+ weeks (Session 06-12). This should allow you to make visible progress and incorporate changes into your routine. Then, you can either focus on that behavior at a more advanced level or move on to a different behavior. Remember that some behaviors may be too big or inappropriate to tackle now. If after one 12-week period, you do not see the desired change, park this behavior under the "Tackle Later" list and move on to the next one.  There's nothing wrong with that!
     

  15. How does the PB JAM money-back guarantee work?
    Our promise of transparency and confidence in results allows us to offer you a first-of-its-kind money-back guarantee for every 12-week program you purchase.  In session 06 and session 12, you will evaluate your experience on our platform.  If your overall satisfaction is less than 70% from these two evaluations, we will refund your cost for that 12-week program.  In return, we only ask for your suggestions for how your satisfaction could have exceeded 70%.
     

  16. Where do I find my digital badges and certificates from the programs and courses I have completed?
    All your credentials are easily accessible from your "My History" page.  Select your program/course and click on the Certificate tab.  You will find a QR code (which is the URL to the details of your certification).  You can use your certificate image to post or use the PB JAM digital credential badge image to share on your social media (e.g., LinkedIn).
     

  17. Something else on your mind? 
    Use our     Contact Us form or drop us an email, and we will get back to you!

bottom of page