As more and more representatives of the younger generation are entering companies while more and more older people are still working despite their retirement age, companies are becoming increasingly interested in so-called reverse mentoring. This process is when younger or less experienced employees mentor their more experienced colleagues. Large companies, especially, are using this process, but it is possible that all companies can benefit. If you are planning to try reverse mentoring in your company, we are bringing a tutorial you can pass on to your future reverse mentors. It was originally published in an article titled "How to become a reverse mentor" written by Zoe Amar on The Guardian website.
1. Search for opportunities
Make your younger employees aware that there are many opportunities to take the role of mentor for their colleagues. Encourage them to focus more on their older colleagues who often turn to them for advice or those who could use their advice, but never ask for it.
2. Stay at an informal level
Reverse mentoring works best when it is informal. You don't need any fixed goals and regular meetings. Let the communication flow naturally.
3. Talk about your mentorship
Your young mentors should know that they should communicate with their direct supervisors about their role. This is how they demonstrate a deeper interest in the functioning of the company as well as developing their own careers.
4. Strengthen your relationships
Remind the young mentors that the mentoring relationship with their colleagues, although informal, should be monitored and maintained. This means that e.g. when they find an interesting article, they should share it.
5. Ask for reciprocal service
A young mentor should not be afraid to ask his older colleagues to teach him something in return.
-kk-