Championing Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring
The BESA NextGen Network are passionate about mentoring and reverse mentoring, and has been a discussion point for the group during the BESA Annual Conference, as they delved into mentoring and reverse mentoring, emphasising benefits for employers and individuals, and the impact it has on young professionals, fostering inclusive workplaces and driving personal and organisational growth. But first let's break down the meaning of Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring
Mentoring is about fostering relationships that help younger professionals navigate their roles, expand their networks, and gain confidence in their abilities. A mentor acts as a trusted advisor, offering advice based on their own experiences, helping mentees set and achieve career goals, and providing a fresh perspective on challenges or opportunities in the workplace. It’s a powerful way to share knowledge, build skills, and provide guidance through the challenges of career development.
Reverse mentoring is an innovative approach, flipping the traditional mentoring model, where younger or less experienced professionals’ mentor senior colleagues. It’s a two-way learning exchange that allows senior leaders to gain fresh perspectives on emerging trends, technology, and modern workplace dynamics, while younger mentors gain valuable insights into leadership and strategic thinking. Unlike traditional mentoring, it creates a two-way exchange of knowledge, allowing both mentor and mentee to learn from each other.
