Reverse mentoring is the process when a less experienced employee mentors an experienced colleague. This approach to employee development was pioneered by the former CEO of General Electric Jack Welch. In late 1990s he ordered 500 senior managers to find mentors among their subordinates to teach them how to work with the Internet. Consquently, the younger workers were learning how to build a successful career from the older ones.
If you feel that working with younger colleagues may be beneficial for you, don't be afraid to try reverse mentoring.
Find the right partner
Search for a mentor who really has strong skills in the area that interests you. Do not assume automatically that all people around twenty years are e.g. masters of social networks. Before you ask someone to be your mentor, get to know him both personally and professionally.
Build your relationship plan
As in traditional mentoring, it is necessary to set your expectations in advance. Agree on what you want to learn, how you can help each other when and where you will meet.
Be open
Open to all new knowledge you can get thanks to the younger mentor even if you didn't expect it in advance.
Keep equal partnership
Beware of a tendency to manage your younger mentor. Your relationship should equal, based on constantly searching for ways to help each other.
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