Be a mentor to your mentor
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a515b&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Today’s Tip
Be a Mentor to Your Mentor
When you’re lucky enough to have a mentor, don’t just take what you need from the relationship. You want to give back as well. Your age, experience, and expertise have little to do with the value you bring to the table. To practice this “reverse mentorship,” start by figuring out exactly what it is you have to offer. Ask yourself: What challenges is your organization facing that you might have insights, information, or expertise on? Figure out what you’re great at, why it’s important to your organization, and how your mentor could use that knowledge to grow as a professional and contribute to the team. Next, voice your desire to help out in this way. You can do this in a formal check-in, or informally the next time you and your mentor are sharing a meal or having a coffee. Assuming they’re game, set clear expectations together. Should this reverse mentoring be a one-time deal, last a few weeks, or be a long-term commitment? How will you measure your success? Is there a goal they’re aiming to reach? Once you answer these questions, you and your mentor will be ready to begin.
This tip is adapted from “Mentorship Is Not a One-Way Street<http://hbr.org/2021/12/mentorship-is-not-a-one-way-street?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Cynthia J. Young
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d4&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d5&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d6&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_DV_Dec2021.png]<https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Your smarts. Our charts. <https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Explore HBR Data & Visuals — a subscriber‑only library of charts and visuals.
Visit HBR Data & Visuals <https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/newsletters/NewWorldWork_EMAIL_NEWSLETTER_PROMO_1200.png]<https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Newsletter
The New World of Work <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Candid conversations on talent, tech, and the future of business. A special email series for subscribers.
Sign up now <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/TLGOAL_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
Zip file
HBR Tools: Goal Setting <https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
by Dick Grote
$39.95
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d7>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d8>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d9>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51da&p1=@7SYSYvhOXOtZHfgkIRGC6-hxsgIiXwhRjxsZhiIyFq6fohnbslfRdl02sKwwi9JEYhyonUEpaNf11WVzb9q4JiLnuyt_kQvEx9yqecqm2C-9b76F>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51db&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51dc&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51dd&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51de&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2022 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135
Today’s Tip
Be a Mentor to Your Mentor
When you’re lucky enough to have a mentor, don’t just take what you need from the relationship. You want to give back as well. Your age, experience, and expertise have little to do with the value you bring to the table. To practice this “reverse mentorship,” start by figuring out exactly what it is you have to offer. Ask yourself: What challenges is your organization facing that you might have insights, information, or expertise on? Figure out what you’re great at, why it’s important to your organization, and how your mentor could use that knowledge to grow as a professional and contribute to the team. Next, voice your desire to help out in this way. You can do this in a formal check-in, or informally the next time you and your mentor are sharing a meal or having a coffee. Assuming they’re game, set clear expectations together. Should this reverse mentoring be a one-time deal, last a few weeks, or be a long-term commitment? How will you measure your success? Is there a goal they’re aiming to reach? Once you answer these questions, you and your mentor will be ready to begin.
This tip is adapted from “Mentorship Is Not a One-Way Street<http://hbr.org/2021/12/mentorship-is-not-a-one-way-street?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Cynthia J. Young
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d4&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d5&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM170172]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d6&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM170172>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_DV_Dec2021.png]<https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Your smarts. Our charts. <https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Explore HBR Data & Visuals — a subscriber‑only library of charts and visuals.
Visit HBR Data & Visuals <https://hbr.org/data-visuals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/newsletters/NewWorldWork_EMAIL_NEWSLETTER_PROMO_1200.png]<https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Newsletter
The New World of Work <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Candid conversations on talent, tech, and the future of business. A special email series for subscribers.
Sign up now <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/TLGOAL_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
Zip file
HBR Tools: Goal Setting <https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
by Dick Grote
$39.95
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=TLGOAL-ZIP-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/hbr-tools-goal-setting/TLGOAL?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d7>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d8>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51d9>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51da&p1=@7SYSYvhOXOtZHfgkIRGC6-hxsgIiXwhRjxsZhiIyFq6fohnbslfRdl02sKwwi9JEYhyonUEpaNf11WVzb9q4JiLnuyt_kQvEx9yqecqm2C-9b76F>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51db&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51dc&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51dd&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9a251050,126a5159,126a51de&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2022 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135