Reverse Mentorships Revisited
I’m not sure where I would be without the incredible mentoring I have had over the years from students, yes you heard me right, and those younger and less experienced than me. I was reminded of this during a discussion where a teacher with 20 years experience was thanking a second year teacher for all she had learned from him. This mentoring extended far beyond the typical reverse mentoring of sharing knowledge about technology. The mentoring that was discussed in this conversation was about mentor on various topics of teaching strategies and cultural relevance.
Cara Dune: Take care of this little one.
Greef Karga: Or maybe, it’ll take care of you.
From The Mandalorian – Season 1 Episode 8: ‘Chapter 8: ‘Redemption’ (1×08) | Produced by Lucasfilm
The cool part about this organic mentoring relationship was that is was not a one way street. There were opportunities to exchange ideas, and even inspire one another. The beauty is that we know there are skills gaps on both sides, and that each person can address their weaknesses with the help of the other’s strengths. What’s interesting about these reverse mentorships beyond the incredible exchange of skills, knowledge, and understanding, there are great relationships and friendships created. Check out my very first blog about this in Reverse Mentoring. Bridging generational and hierarchical gaps to improve communication are important things that can happen. So, if you want to foster a more inclusive culture that values the contributions of all employees, and increase engagement and collaboration multiple generations, encourage more reverse mentorships.
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