FAQ
What is reciprocal mentoring?
Reciprocal mentoring is the intentional exchange of value across difference, in a two-way relationship that creates professional opportunity and personal growth for both individuals.
The traditional mentoring structure relies upon existing power dynamics and reinforces the teacher-learner relationship. Reverse-mentoring has gained popularity in recent years but this just flips the script – one person remains responsible for the learning of the other.
Reciprocal mentoring encourages a fluid view of the dynamics that exist in the relationship and acknowledges that both individuals have ways in which they might grow as leaders. This responsibility for growth/development is then shared by both participants and can lead to a truly high-performing relationship.
What's included in the RML experience?
The RML is an immersive learning experience that begins when you sign up. Before the workshop, you will be introduced to world-class faculty through a webinar, complete a online mentoring assessment, and engage in a discussion with your mentor or mentee. During the two-day in person workshop, you will meet with other inclusive leaders and be led by faculty through various discussions and skill building exercises. After the workshop, with access to additional resources including follow-up mentoring assessments and a webinar, you will be equipped to apply your learning to expand the mentoring relationship and help your organization build a more inclusive culture.
Are you focused on male-female mentoring pairs?
The Reciprocal Mentoring Lab experience pairs men and women together to develop the skillset of reciprocal mentorships in a real-world context. Mixed-gender mentoring pairs are male-female/female-male mentoring pairs, where one person identifies as male and the other as female. Either gender can be the mentor with the other gender being the mentee.
Introductions to this work can also be done through other Greatheart Consulting offerings.
How do you view gender?
Since the work we focus on develops skills needed across gender, the Reciprocal Mentoring Lab is not intended for same-gender mentoring pairs. We recognize that gender is a fluid construct and we do not intend to oversimplify it. Gender is complex and we have intentionally chosen it as one way to explore some of the challenges that mentors and mentees encounter. Furthermore, the Reciprocal Mentoring Lab works with gender as a lens that can lead to greater conversations about intersectionality and the qualities that make each of us unique.
Do the mentoring pairs need to be existing or new pairs?
The mentoring pairs can be either newly formed or established mentoring relationships. Existing pairs do bring experience and their own developed point of view which can add to the learning that takes place.
"By investing in mixed-gender mentoring relationships, companies can take a step towards creating a more inclusive culture where both men and women lead and influence."
Mentoring Across Gender
Why now is the perfect time to do this important work and why you shouldn't miss this opportunity to do it!
QUESTIONS?
Want more information about the Reciprocal Mentoring Lab? Interested in learning more about Greatheart Consulting and our offerings? Please reach out with any questions or inquiries and we’ll get back to you!