HOW REVERSE MENTORING MAY HELP YOUR BIZAV OPERAT Source: https://nbaa.org/news/business-aviationinsider, News Editor, First Published Jan-Feb Issue Mentorship is typically thought of as a senior professional sharing guidance and advice to employees who are newer to a company or industry. While that remains an important part of business aviation, the concept of reverse mentoring is gaining ground. Reverse mentoring, in a formal sense, is when junior employees offer mentorship to those who are senior to them. But the concept can be as informal as forging professional friendships, regardless of seniority, that encourage more effective teamwork and information sharing. For example, the traditional flight crew work dynamic, which has been dominated by a top-down culture with the captain running the flight deck, is shifting. “We’re seeing younger and younger senior pilots, so today we’re adopting more of a crew-resource-management style of leadership,” said Jamal Pratt, first officer with PNC Bank’s flight operation. Senior pilots are more open for input and suggestions. “It’s a lot more organic today on the flight deck than in the office setting just because [pilots] have an obligation to the safe outcome of the flight,” Pratt said.“There was some resistance initially from some senior pilots, but now it’s a lot easier and more comfortable to have these types of conversations.” SENDING A MESSAGE More broadly, reverse mentoring can be especially helpful for senior employees who are looking to gain more familiarity with things such as new technologies, social media, diversity, inclusion and work-life balance issues. “Reverse mentoring can bring a number of benefits to the company and its newer team members,” said Jennifer Pickerel, president of Aviation Personnel International.“When someone comes into a new group and is immediately acknowledged as a contributor, Opening Lines 5 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 04
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