Reverse mentoring involves matching less experienced employees, often younger, with more experienced executives or managers to exchange knowledge and perspectives. 

In order to be effective, this practice requires a supportive work environment that values feedback and promotes open communication.

Reverse mentoring tends to be most successful in larger organisations or those with clear hierarchies

Enhancing interactions

Proper structuring is also crucial to ensure that the mentoring relationship fosters learning and development. 

Reverse mentoring tends to be most successful in larger organisations or those with clear hierarchies, where interaction between different levels may be limited, or when team members are geographically dispersed.

A beneficial boost

Reverse mentoring avoids problems associated with one-directional mentoring such as those around hierarchy or the micromanaging of a more junior colleague. 

It has a clearer two-way benefit and can boost both individuals' confidence, skill set and knowledge. 

The more diverse the partnership the better.

It has a clearer two-way benefit and can boost both individuals' confidence, skill set and knowledge

The neuroscience perspective

Brain and Behaviour Specialist, Neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw says reverse mentoring can be a powerful tool for both mentor and mentee from a neuroscience perspective: “Mentoring by its very nature stimulates our neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, which puts us in a more positive state of mind as we experience a mutually agreed relationship where we learn, grow and motivate. In addition, we are likely to have less cortisol going around our system, will be less stressed and can think more clearly when it comes to problem-solving.”

“When shared knowledge or experience can activate areas of the brain associated with cognitive processing, memory, learning, social processing and perspective-taking. We also develop the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. By engaging in regular conversations and learning from someone with a different perspective, individuals can stimulate their brain's neuroplasticity and enhance their cognitive flexibility, which aids decision making, creativity, working relationships, task sharing, team spirit, mental health and productivity.”  

Individuals can stimulate their brain's neuroplasticity and enhance their cognitive flexibility

Positive effects from a psychological perspective

Dr Shaw also describes how reverse mentoring has been shown to have positive effects from a psychological perspective: “Studies suggest that reverse mentoring is an effective tool for improving leadership skills, promoting innovation and improving intergenerational communication and collaboration in the workplace.” 

A study published in the Journal of Managerial Psychology found there is an urgency for HRD professionals to focus more attention on uniting their workforce and keeping them actively engaged and that reverse mentoring is a good social exchange tool to leverage the expertise, needs, value systems, and work demands of different generations. 

Reverse mentoring is an effective tool for improving leadership skills, promoting innovation and improving intergenerational communication

Revitalising with reverse mentoring

Reverse mentoring programmes have also been seen to be effective post-pandemic in revitalising work environments, developing employee and employer relationships and enabling better communication in hybrid workplaces. 

So we know that reverse mentoring can help with collaboration, communication, problem-solving, innovation and creativity, and encourages curiosity and the acquisition of new knowledge, skills and insights, but there are also deeper, less obvious benefits according to Dr Shaw.

Sharing is caring

Talking and learning from different generations can bring new perspectives by diminishing bias and stereotypes and talking to someone that perhaps you might not normally chat with. 

Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, and we can all benefit from each other’s knowledge. 

Reverse mentoring enables us to learn to listen and respect and appreciate other generations' skill sets, develop mutual understanding, and practice compassion and empathy, which can also prevent microaggressions and bullying. 

Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, and we can all benefit from each other’s knowledge

A new way of thinking

Reverse mentoring can help foster a culture of inclusivity and increase the visibility of minority employees by providing a platform for employees of diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives and experiences.

It encourages new thinking, role modelling of the right behaviours and increased empathy. 

Injecting fresh energy

Reverse mentoring can increase engagement simply by providing equal opportunities for learning and growth and boosting and injecting fresh energy. 

An open mindset and willingness to learn are necessary for success.

It encourages new thinking, role modelling of the right behaviours and increased empathy

An empowering tool

New and successful scenarios and experiences can build confidence and self-esteem and be empowering.  

A safe space for skills development

Both mentor and mentee are able to develop their leadership skills in a safe and confidential space. 

Reverse mentors can reflect on their actions and decisions, take responsibility for mistakes, and share joint successes.

Authentic company values

If your company’s core values are clear and known and built on highly valued principles like respect and trust then reciprocal mutually beneficial relationships mean you are authentically walking the walk, not just talking the talk. 

Both mentor and mentee are able to develop their leadership skills in a safe and confidential space

Trust in the process

Reverse mentors should feel they can confide and ask questions, but this is not always possible without trust. 

Making it clear that no question is a stupid question and that you are fully present at the time will build trust and confidence, allowing open communication and the sharing of ideas, opinions, thoughts and constructive feedback. 

One way to do this involves sharing your own mistakes and how you got around them. 

Openly inviting input from other colleagues allows everyone’s voice to be heard in team meetings, builds respect and promotes individuality.

Openly inviting input from other colleagues allows everyone’s voice to be heard

The value of collaboration

Thriving workplaces need workers to be good listeners and strong collaborators who help each other develop, recognise others’ contributions and make them feel like they are valued.  

If you enjoyed this, read: Ten ways to use coaching and mentoring as effectively as possible