I first started talking about reverse mentoring in 2007, when I did a presentation to Campbell Soup global leadership about the Millennial generation. The company went on to develop a so-termed “bridge network” to connect promising young professionals with entrenched Baby Boomer executives.
Reverse mentoring is loosely defined as the process of a less experienced employee offering guidance to a more experienced one. It often includes a relationship that works both ways: seasoned employees can offer advice on how to build a successful career, while newbies can provide a fresh perspective on organizational processes and innovation – especially where it involves evolving technology.
Although currently gaining steam, this is not a new concept. According to the Wall Street Journal, it was initially championed by Jack Welch in the late 90s when he was CEO of General Electric. He ordered 500 top-level executives to reach out to people below them to learn how to use the Internet. In return, the younger professionals achieved greater visibility in the company.
If reverse mentoring sounds intriguing to you but there isn’t an established program in your company, check out my post on the Fast Track blog for advice on how to implement it.
Not only can younger employees teach experienced employees about technology--I think they can also help the veterans have a different perception of the way they communicate. While the older employees obviously have more industry knowledge, I think that sometimes translates into convoluted dialogue that could be much more direct. I've sat through meetings that lasted twice as long as they needed to because the older employees were talking themselves in circles with business jargon. It's often part of the culture to have such cumbersome conversations. And it's refreshing to hear new people talk about a topic (even if they're less familiar with it) because they're thinking is uninhibited by previous experience.
Posted by: Max Ogles | July 27, 2012 at 04:34 AM
I've not heard of this term before so I'm glad that you wrote about it. It is definitely true that less experienced employees can help others.
Posted by: MommyPage | July 31, 2012 at 10:54 PM
@Max: Thoughtful addition. I think it falls under the general category of efficiency, which I personally feel is definitely a strength the younger generation brings to the table.
@MommyPage: Thanks for the comment!
Posted by: Alexandra Levit | August 21, 2012 at 04:35 PM