Thinking about starting or reviving a mentoring program at your company? The benefits are many, from job satisfaction to enhanced productivity. Research shows that 91% of workers with a mentor are satisfied with their jobs, and 70% of businesses report an increase in productivity due to mentoring.
While typical mentoring involves a junior-level worker seeking the guidance of a more experienced employee, there’s a case to be had for reverse mentoring. In this scenario, senior leaders seek the perspective of less-experienced employees.
A post on the Mentoring Compete blog covers some of the reasons companies may want to explore reverse mentoring. We highlight the post in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
It can increase retention of junior employees. According to the post, when less-experienced workers get to mentor a senior leader, they tend to feel more engaged with their work. It’s rewarding to share their knowledge and skills, and they often feel a sense of achievement when mentees learn something from them. When employees are engaged, happy and valued, there’s a good chance they’ll stick around for longer.
It can help team members learn modern skills. Senior leaders may not be as savvy in some areas as junior-level workers. With reverse mentoring, executives can learn from less-experienced employees the ins and outs of topics like social media and how to use it in sales and marketing.
It promotes a sense of belonging. Reverse mentoring helps create the kind of environment in which everyone feels welcomed and valued. Everyone wants to feel like they’re contributing something meaningful in the workplace, and mentoring is a way to do that. When junior-level employees can share their insights with someone at a higher level, it helps them feel part of the bigger picture.
It empowers people to speak up. Entry-level employees may not feel as confident speaking up and sharing their ideas. Reverse mentoring helps change that. In this scenario, less-experienced workers get to speak up for the betterment of the company, the post says, which can help develop their careers.
It can improve critical business skills. Upward mentoring benefits all parties involved. Experienced workers learn new perspectives and skills. while junior-level employees gain insight into company culture and what it takes to keep developing in their careers.
If you like the idea of reverse mentoring, approach it with sensitivity. Some senior leaders may not be as receptive to hearing feedback from junior employees, and some entry-level workers may not feel comfortable advising executives, especially if these workers are new to the company.
Navigate the way thoughtfully and you can create a reverse mentoring program that creates real value for the promo pros at your company.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: The Mentoring Complete blog. Mentoring Complete designs business mentoring programs for companies of all sizes.
