How can you cross-mentor across different sectors?

1 Identify your goals and expectations

Before you embark on a cross-mentoring journey, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and challenges. What are the gaps in your knowledge or skills that you want to fill? What are the areas of expertise or experience that you can share with someone else? How much time and energy can you commit to the relationship? Having a realistic and specific vision of your goals and expectations will help you find a compatible cross-mentor and set the ground rules for your interaction.

2 Seek diversity and commonality

One of the benefits of cross-mentoring is that it exposes you to different perspectives and approaches that can enrich your professional development. However, you also need to have some common ground with your cross-mentor to establish rapport and trust. Look for someone who works in a different sector, but has a similar role, function, or interest as you. For example, if you are a marketing manager in the nonprofit sector, you might want to cross-mentor with a marketing manager in the tech sector. Alternatively, you can look for someone who has a different role or function, but works in a sector that you are curious about or want to learn more about. For example, if you are an accountant in the education sector, you might want to cross-mentor with a teacher in the health sector.

3 Be open-minded and respectful

Cross-mentoring can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. You might encounter different opinions, values, or styles that clash with your own. You might also face some communication barriers or misunderstandings due to the different jargon, norms, or cultures of your sectors. To overcome these obstacles, you need to be open-minded and respectful. Listen actively and attentively to your cross-mentor, and ask questions to clarify or learn more. Acknowledge and appreciate the differences, and avoid making assumptions or judgments. Share your own views and experiences honestly and constructively, and be willing to receive feedback and suggestions. Remember that cross-mentoring is a two-way street, and you both have something to learn and contribute.

4 Leverage online tools and platforms

One of the practical challenges of cross-mentoring across different sectors is finding and connecting with potential cross-mentors. Fortunately, there are many online tools and platforms that can help you with this process. You can use social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, to search for and reach out to people who work in different sectors and have similar or complementary profiles as you. You can also join online communities, forums, or groups that are related to your sector, role, or interest, and look for opportunities to network and exchange ideas with other professionals. Additionally, you can sign up for online platforms that are specifically designed to facilitate cross-mentoring, such as Mentorloop, Everwise, or Chronus, and get matched with suitable cross-mentors based on your preferences and goals.

5 Evaluate and adjust

Cross-mentoring is not a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship that requires regular communication and feedback. To make the most of your cross-mentoring experience, you need to evaluate and adjust your approach and expectations as you go along. Set up a schedule and a format for your cross-mentoring sessions, and stick to it as much as possible. Review your progress and achievements, and celebrate your successes and milestones. Identify any challenges or difficulties, and discuss how to overcome them or improve your situation. Seek and give honest and constructive feedback, and be open to change and adaptation. Remember that cross-mentoring is a dynamic and flexible process, and you can always modify or update your goals and expectations as you learn and grow.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?