How can you find cross-generational mentorship in customer service?

2 Seek out potential mentors

Once you have your goals and needs in mind, you can start looking for potential mentors who have the experience, knowledge, and skills that you admire and aspire to. You can find mentors within your organization, your industry, your network, or your community. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Meetup, or MentorCruise, to connect with professionals from different fields and backgrounds. When you seek out potential mentors, look for someone who is from a different generation than you, such as a baby boomer, a Gen X, a millennial, or a Gen Z. This will help you gain a broader and deeper understanding of customer service from different angles and contexts.

3 Reach out and build rapport

Once you have identified a potential mentor, you need to reach out and express your interest in learning from them. You can send them an email, a message, or a request on a platform where they are active. Explain who you are, what you do, and why you want to be mentored by them. Be polite, respectful, and professional. Avoid asking for too much time or commitment at the beginning. Instead, ask for a short meeting, a phone call, or a video chat to get to know each other better. During this initial contact, try to build rapport and trust with your potential mentor. Show genuine curiosity, appreciation, and enthusiasm. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and share your goals and needs.

4 Establish expectations and boundaries

If your potential mentor agrees to mentor you, you need to establish some expectations and boundaries for your relationship. Discuss how often, how long, and how you will communicate with each other. Set some goals and milestones for your learning journey. Agree on how you will give and receive feedback, support, and recognition. Respect each other's time, privacy, and preferences. Be flexible and adaptable to each other's styles and needs. Remember that cross-generational mentorship is a two-way street. You can also offer your mentor some value, such as sharing your insights, skills, or perspectives from your generation.

5 Learn and grow together

The final and most important step is to learn and grow together with your mentor. Follow through with your plans and commitments. Communicate regularly and effectively. Seek and apply feedback. Challenge and support each other. Celebrate and reflect on your achievements. Be open-minded and respectful of each other's differences and similarities. Learn from each other's experiences, stories, and wisdom. Cross-generational mentorship can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your mentor. You can improve your customer service skills, expand your network, and broaden your horizons.

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?