“Reverse Mentoring” or the new intergenerational collaboration

Businesses suffer the full brunt of the intergenerational gap, which can lead to exasperation and conflicts. Succeeding in getting younger and older people to work together has become strategic in organizations, as these relationships have an impact on both the social climate and performance. Their experiences, knowledge, communications, influences, aspirations, etc... are so many parameters that make it possible to create interesting complementarity within teams. The reverse mentoring seeks to bring generations together through digital technology, rather than digital technology separating them. Generation Y (or “Digital Natives”) is then offered mentoring from managers and senior executives. Thus, young mentors will help them to understand the codes and uses of ICT applied to the professional world. Younger generations are also transforming management culture. Les Digital Natives arrive in companies by promoting creativity, flexibility and the personal development of individuals, etc... To date, many companies are already using the reverse mentoring, including Orange, Danone, IBM or SNCF. While this new collaboration is interesting for senior profiles, it is just as interesting for start-ups who are entering the daily lives of senior managers (great opportunity and experience!).