Why do it
Although we call our programme ‘Reverse’, it is in practice ‘Reciprocal’ – recognising that both people in any matched pair are responsible for doing the work, sharing their stories and experiences, learning, and taking action as a result. We explain more in our Training Journal Article “The Power of Reciprocal Mentoring” here.
Reverse mentoring is a powerful development programme, tailored to increase connectivity across difference. Any difference. This could be differences across generation, race, gender, class, geography, or wherever you may be looking to grow connection, learning, and change.
Find out how BDB Pitmans LLP is using our Reciprocal Mentoring Programme to enhance their commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the firm.
Reverse mentoring is grounded in the framework and practice of Conversational Wisdom®. It encourages participants to think differently by helping senior leaders to understand the lived experience of those people who are different to themselves.
Our reverse mentoring programmes bring about cultural change where the power of difference is valued. Ultimately, through reverse mentoring, we can help you build a stronger, more cohesive, and more inclusive organisation.
What you will learn
Our programmes enable people who may not otherwise normally work with each other, to connect in a more human way on a one-to-one basis. It helps minorities to have a voice in your organisation and provides the space for more meaningful transformation in the long run.
Reverse mentoring is a powerful cultural development programme that:
- increases connectivity between people of differing levels, generations, experience, race, gender, geography, class…
- helps deepen understanding of the lived experience of others
- drives better engagement, skills, and knowledge transfer within and across disciplines
- creates a more inclusive workplace
- cultivates the conditions for change
Wondering what the buzz is around Reverse Mentoring? Find out more and listen to this 2-minute video where Emily talks about the learning opportunity reverse mentoring provides for more senior people and the power of breaking down assumptions and barriers.
Nuts and bolts
A multi Award-Winning 9 month programme, delivered virtually or face-to-face, comprising:
PREPARATION
- Thought Generation Session
- Individual matching calls and support
- Business and line manager engagement
PROGRAMME SUPPORT
- Conversational Wisdom® mentor/mentee skills launch day
- Virtual booster reflection calls
- Supported first conversations
- Reflection and idea generation session
- Celebration event
- Participant toolkit
- Evaluation
In this article, Annie Makoff from D&I Leaders, explains why it’s important to put the right support in place so that Reverse Mentoring doesn’t just become a corporate ‘tick-box exercise’.
“The programme has really reinforced to me the importance of team spirit and ‘tone at the top’. I am trying to focus on providing clear and honest communication and leadership during challenging times.”
In a recent Reverse Mentoring programme 100% of participants reported the programme matched or exceeded their expectations and over 85% of participants said they had made personal changes as a result of the reverse mentoring.
Examples of learning outcomes included:
- creating a culture that embraces dialogue and feedback
- increased awareness of the development and issues of junior team members
- increased confidence speaking up and challenging those who are more senior
To find out more:
- Get in touch and talk to one of the team about how Reverse Mentoring could help create lasting cultural change in your organisation
- Have a read of this case study or some of our articles about Reverse Mentoring
- Download a one-page overview of the programme
- Watch our webinar “Cross-Generational Conversations” where Emily Cosgrove talks to KPMG Customer & Digital Manager, Olu Odubajo, on how it feels to be a Reverse Mentor.
