3 Ways Reverse Mentorships Are Helping Tech-Driven Companies Get Ahead
A new kind of mentorship is being implemented in organizations that might seem counterproductive at first but offers unique benefits. Reverse mentoring refers to a relationship in which a junior employee is put in a position to mentor a more senior employee — it could be someone older or someone with long tenure.
One of the most obvious ways it can help is with the navigation of new technology for older generations, but it’s also helpful in uniting generations while keeping employees of all ages engaged. We’re going dive into three benefits that reverse mentoring can have on your organization.
Three Benefits of Reverse Mentorships
- Mitigates intergenerational prejudice. Millennials may be viewed as spoiled and entitled by older generations, and Baby Boomers may be thought of as resistant to change by younger ones. Gen Z is entering the workforce in droves, which will open the door for even more generational stereotypes. By adopting reverse mentoring, organizations can help break these stereotypical thought patterns and bridge the generational gap between colleagues. Embracing ideas of people across age groups can create a stronger, more resilient organization.
- Closes the tech gap for older employees. Reverse mentoring is a great way to prioritize technology upskilling for your older team members. Someone with decades of job experience brings wisdom and experience but not necessarily the newest or best technical skills. The younger generations can help close the technological gap while the older generation can impart their wisdom.
- Greater perspectives for all levels. In the instance of an upper-level management and individual contributor relationship, the individual contributor can gain a better understanding of how the company operates on a grander scale. On the flip side, the executive can gain better insight into the challenges of those below them.
By embracing this new kind of mentorship, you can connect employees who otherwise may have never met. It can help build a stronger sense of belonging for your employees, present pathways for change, and allow staff to believe in a shared mission while committing to work toward a shared future.
Discover the ways Vayability can enhance leadership development for your organization. Learn more.
Be the first to read the latest L&D thought leadership pieces, news, and get invites to exclusive events by signing up for our Learning and Development Insights newsletter!
Written by Rachel Strysik
