Does Reverse Mentoring Really Work?

A common misconception is that mentoring involves utilizing a long-term, experienced employee to provide assistance and guidance to newer staff members. However, the process of turning the tables with reverse mentoring may actually benefit your employee base in a positive manner. Promote a workplace environment based on team-building activities and mentoring programs that are beneficial to ultimately enhance employee performance.

Traditional Mentoring vs. Reverse Mentoring

Workplaces often seek out established professionals who have shown a long-term commitment to the company to serve as a mentor to younger or newer employees. While these relationships are often beneficial, the process of reverse mentoring may prove to be just as necessary in an ever-changing workforce. The misconception that age or time spent at a company qualifies an individual as a mentor doesn't take into account the vast knowledge of technology-savvy millennials entering the workplace. By turning the tables and seeking out advice, input and guidance from the younger workforce, companies have the ability to advance their practices, policies and procedures to meet and exceed industry standards and offer innovative solutions for clients. Employees also gain additional skills when joining forces with millennials and may develop a stronger understanding of how to perform their job duties more efficiently.

The Empowerment Factor

Companies incorporating reverse mentoring programs into their operations are providing their employees with the opportunity to feel empowered and a crucial part of the firm. Fuel the passion of younger or newer employees by assigning them to a more established employee during team-building activities to test their leadership skills. For example, when developing a sales team, pair together a novice representative with a veteran sales professional and encourage the two to share strategies. As a result, your team learns from each other and promotes a fruitful relationship that benefits the company as a whole.

A Successful Strategy

Develop a reverse mentoring relationship with a purpose. Begin by identifying skill gaps within your employees and match the staff with appropriate team members who possess the skills that need to be developed. A successful mentoring program relies on keen preparation to avoid any conflicts or resentment. Ask the senior member of your staff to develop a list of skills he or she would like to improve, and request mentors to pinpoint areas of proficiency related to your industry. Pair the two together and construct clear guidelines and an agenda for each mentoring session. An organized approach helps to improve the success of the relationship while also providing the mentor and the mentee with clear goals to accomplish.

Innovative strategies to improve internal processes are necessary for companies to retain qualified employees. Empower your staff with a reverse mentoring program that promotes equality and mutual respect.

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