Ashoka
Traditionally, mentoring is a relationship between two people, in which the more experience person gives advice to the other person. Usually, “more experienced” also means “older”. In reverse mentoring, the younger person mentors the older person and the power balance shifts for good.
With the help of two youth organisations, Kaospiloten+ and Youth without Borders, Ashoka embarked on a reverse mentoring journey in February 2023 in Berlin. Eight young people from the two organisations were trained as mentors in reverse mentoring sitations. The mentees were Ashoka staff members from all over Europe.
The basic structure of reverse mentoring follows the case clinics developed by Otto Scharmer, founder of the Presencing Institute, a partner of Ashoka:
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Definition of the roles and coming up with a case to focus on;
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Presentation of the case and need by the case-owner while the mentors listen mindfully for 10 full minutes;
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Clarification and opportunity to ask factual questions to ensure the case is fully understood;
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Moment of stillness wheduring which everyone lets the shared information lend and mentors reflect on their ideas of support;
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Mirroring or resonance phase where only mentors speak and share their thoughts and insights;
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Time for generative dialogue and discussion about the ideas shared by the mentors;
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Closing and sharing of appreciation and take-aways.
Format as quote “The training on mindful listening we had previously done truly helped setting the tone for this new exercise. Though quite challenging, the act of letting the case-owner talk for an extended period without any interruptions, allowed to make space for their personal story to naturally develop and trust to be built.”
What happens to mentors and mentees during reverse mentoring sessions?
Ashoka staff had brought a real-life concrete problem they were currently facing in their work and which they presented to the young changemakers who shared their unique perspectives to solve these challenges. During these exchanges, the room got filled with empathy, vulnerability and bold out-of-the-box ideas. Laughter and lively conversations were just as present as almost whispered confessions. The trust and understanding built during the reverse mentoring sessions impacted both mentors and mentees.
Format as quote “This empowering exercise invites us to feel confident as the expert of our own perspective which are all unique and valuable.“
Why is reverse mentoring useful to create an everyone a changemaker world?
A young changemaker reflected that after the reverse mentoring, she went home “empowered and enriched, having learnt something new from each person I talked to”. An Ashoka staff member shared as feedback that she “arrived with an issue and got out with a mentor” and that she feels “very happy to have found her”.
This blog entry was co-written by young changemaker Catarina Bustorff and Judit Costa of Ashoka Germany.