The Power of Reverse Mentoring

Innovation is like lightning; it bursts to life bright and powerful, but only when conditions are right. Frozen raindrops bump against each other, building up energy until it is too much to contain and ZAP! The moment of insight, the inspiration that changes everything. In the SAP IMPACT program, we prepare the next generation of leaders to thrive in this innovation climate through reverse mentoring.

What is Reverse Mentoring?

In business, the atmosphere for innovation is one in which ideas are shared confidently and without barriers. This continuous learning culture must be supported and fostered from the leaders of an organization.

In a reverse mentoring relationship, there is an exchange of ideas between mentor and mentee, rather than the more linear knowledge path in traditional mentoring programs. The benefits are not limited to the participants in the program; in fact, reverse mentoring benefits the mentee, the mentor, and the organization as a whole.

Participants

Mentorship allows participants to fast-track their understanding of the organization while at the same time gives them deep-dive knowledge of how each business unit works independently and their interconnections. Participants also pick up business acumen and technology knowledge, as well as exposure to new and different work models, leadership styles and cultures. They emerge from the program with a comprehensive knowledge of SAP, a detailed and expansive understanding of the field they are about to enter, and a respect and appreciation for the ideas and perspectives from across business units…and the world.

Managers

In order for the IMPACT program to exist, we rely on leaders within the organization to serve as mentors for our participants. Luckily, managers are eager to accept IMPACT participants into their business units. IMPACT participants are top MBA graduates with diverse and unique work experiences and backgrounds. By engaging them in a reverse mentoring relationship, managers receive an influx of new ideas and possible solutions to business challenges.

Organization

We are operating in a time when new challenges, and opportunities, arise quickly and with increasing frequency. In order to stay competitive, we need a pipeline of creative thinkers and problem solvers who are confident enough to share their experiences and ideas. By creating a culture of reverse mentorship, we are building a culture of continuous learners who not only accept other perspectives, but actively seek them out.

The future is rushing to meet us, filled with ambiguity and potential. The weather is right for innovation at SAP, and in our IMPACT participants we have future leaders who will serve as conduits for that energy, who will transform innovative ideas into world-changing solutions.

Have you experienced reverse mentoring in your organization?