Reverse mentoring is an HR term that refers to a mentoring relationship in which a junior or less experienced employee is assigned to mentor a senior or more experienced employee. Unlike traditional mentoring where the senior employee guides and advises the junior employee, reverse mentoring flips the dynamic, allowing the junior employee to share their knowledge, perspectives, and skills with the senior employee.

Example

For example, in a reverse mentoring program, a young and tech-savvy employee may be paired with a senior executive to provide insights and guidance on emerging technologies, social media trends, or innovative approaches to problem-solving. The junior employee can help the senior employee adapt to new technologies, gain fresh perspectives, and bridge any knowledge gaps. Reverse mentoring promotes cross-generational collaboration, fosters learning from diverse perspectives, and enhances communication and understanding within the organization.