How to Use Reverse Mentoring in a Time of Crisis

In these hard times, we all could use a little support from each other. SWANA’s MentorMatch Program is designed to do just that by pairing up mentor and mentees for ongoing learning, collaboration, and innovation. Mentorships typically have one person designated as the mentor and another person designated as the mentee for the duration of the relationship but, in some cases, you might find it helpful to learn from the other person. That’s where Reverse Mentoring comes into play.

Reverse mentoring is where the mentor becomes the mentee and the mentee becomes the mentor. It’s a great way for both mentors and mentees to learn new concepts, generate ideas, and build a new skill set. For instance, mentors can search for a more junior mentee to help learn new technologies. Or mentees can help a mentor from a different sector to brainstorm new ways to handle a specific challenge.

The setup options are numerous, but here’s an easy guide for how to use the MentorMatch system to incorporate Reverse Mentoring into your current relationships:

1. Log in and follow the steps on MySWANA to enroll as a mentor or mentee (if you’re not already), search the system for a match, and request a mentorship. Note: You’re not “reversed” yet so enroll based on your long-term goal of either receiving mentorship or being a mentor.
2. After you find a match, use your first Discovery Phone call to decide together if you wish to try Reverse Mentoring. If so, designate which meeting(s) to “reverse” the relationship whether it’s just for one meeting or something more consistent.
3. Then access and utilize the Reverse Mentoring worksheets in both the mentor and mentee profiles on MySWANA for guidance when needed.

Pretty simple and rewarding! For more information or assistance accessing your account, please contact Shelby Truxon at struxon@swana.org.