Improve Results with Reverse Mentoring

When I was a practice leader, there were many times when I worried because I didn’t have the answers. In fact, there were times when I didn’t know the questions to ask. What I learned over time is that others, both inside and outside the practice, could give me valuable insight and perspective. Thus I embarked on a sustained program of reverse mentoring with impressive immediate results. Reverse mentoring not only helped me do a better job, it also helped the other partners and employees become more effective in their roles.

Reverse mentoring is where individuals in higher positions seek input and feedback from those they lead.

We all know that it is very difficult to get younger members of our firms to participate in mentor programs and, through mentoring, gain valuable insight and knowledge from experienced people. When those employees see mentoring initiated by someone in a leadership position, they see that seeking out feedback and positive problem solving is behavior that everyone in the firm, even the Managing Partner, can and should practice.

The benefit to the managing partner is even more significant. Just think what it would be like to have answers to some very important questions, like:

1. How can I be more effective in my position?
2. What can I do to make your job more productive?
3. What isn’t working around here and what can I do to improve the situation?

Ask these questions often and of staff people at all levels, as well as other partners. Put reverse mentoring to work for you and your life could get a whole lot easier!