Follow Andy Linkedin
Email Andy Email
Human Resources
Mar 14, 2023

Reverse Mentorship: A Low-Cost Strategy to Connect Multi-Generational Talent Teams

Sponsored Content provided by Andy Almeter - President, Leath HR Group, LLC

For the first time in history, the U.S. workforce is made up of five different generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, according to this recent Purdue University report. With this multi-generational diversity comes a wide range of perspectives, skills, and preferences in the workplace. This presents an incredible opportunity for business growth when you create the appropriate environment for learning and collaboration.
 
We’ve all heard the phrase “Age is just a number when it comes to learning!”. And it’s true. Finding innovative ways to learn more from each other is one way to take your business (and team) to the next level.
 
Most of us know what a traditional mentorship looks like – a senior leader pairs with a junior employee to help show “the way” of the business and industry. While this is a great initiative, let's take it a step further. 
 
Flip Traditional Mentorship on Its Head
Reverse mentorship is traditional mentorship, flipped. Junior employees are paired with senior employees. Let us walk through how implementing reverse mentorships can bring a ton of benefits to your talent teams. 
 
1.     Bridging the generation gap: With the changing workforce demographics, there is a growing generational divide in the workplace. Reverse mentorship can help bridge this gap by supplying a platform for different generations to understand each other's perspectives, work styles, and communication preferences.
 
2.     Up-to-date knowledge: Younger employees often have a better grasp of new technologies, social media, and the latest trends in their respective fields. Senior employees can receive help from learning tips and tricks from tech-savvy employees and stay relevant in the workplace.
 
3.     Learning from different perspectives: Both parties can learn from each other's experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. The senior employee can gain insights into the younger generation's values, work ethic, and attitudes, while the younger employee can receive help from the senior employee's wisdom, experience, and ability.
 
4.     Skill development: Reverse mentorship can provide opportunities for skill development for both parties. The younger employee can learn leadership and communication skills, while the senior employee can develop their coaching and mentoring skills. 
 
5.     Mutual respect and appreciation: Reverse mentorship can build mutual respect and appreciation between employees of different generations. It can also help create a positive work culture where everyone's contributions are valued and recognized.
 
Here are a couple examples of a Reverse Mentorship:
·      A junior analyst mentors the VP of Finance on latest trends in the fin-tech space.
·      A Gen Z employee who is a YouTube-short pro shows the Marketing Director the benefits of short form video as a piece in the marketing funnel.  
 
Reverse mentorships are a win-win for senior teams and new generations in the workplace. When done correctly, they can be extremely valuable when it comes to developing your talent teams and bridging generational gaps in the workplace. There is a lot to learn from each generation and it can be a great way to boost engagement, collaboration and retention! 
 
Bring a different approach to your talent strategy! At Leath HR Group, we love helping businesses develop and implement initiatives without stress. Reach out to us for a free consultation!
 
Contributing author: Gabrielle Plumez, People + Culture Consultant with Leath HR Group.  

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign4 212391244

Firing With Compassion

Andy Almeter - Leath HR Group, LLC
Chris 16239425

E31: Adam Shay, CPA - How I Built and Sold My CPA Firm

Chris Capone - Capone & Associates
Untitleddesign12

Supporting Early Career Mental Health: A Guide for Employers

Trending News

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - Feb 5, 2025

Vantaca Hires Four Executives With Decades Of Scale-up Experience

Staff Reports - Feb 4, 2025

NCino Appoints New CEO

Staff Reports - Feb 3, 2025

City Leaders Approve Special Use Permit For Midtown Pickleball Facility

Emma Dill - Feb 5, 2025

Workforce Housing Panel: Some Steps Taken, But Problem Getting Worse

Emma Dill - Feb 4, 2025

In The Current Issue

Small Business Spotlight: Business Owner Goes Out On A Limb

This month's Small Business Spotlight focuses on Tree Nerds, a tree service that opened last year....


Opinion: In 2025, Growth, Opportunity And Local Challenges

As we head into 2025, Southeastern North Carolina finds itself at a pivotal moment. Economic growth in our region is no longer a possibility...


Appraiser Shares Forecast

Cal Morgan founded JC Morgan Co., 1904 Eastwood Road, about 15 years ago and has since grown his team to six appraisers...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season