This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes examines the concept of lateral mentoring, a powerful yet often overlooked form of support. Deborah Heiser, PhD, founder of The Mentor Project, introduces the idea that mentoring doesn't always have to be hierarchical. It can be a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience between peers, even those in different departments or industries.

Deborah emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and asking for help, even from unexpected sources. She shares real-life examples of how individuals have leveraged lateral mentoring to achieve breakthroughs and launch their careers.

Andy and Deborah highlight the benefits of both formal and informal mentoring relationships and how they can complement each other. She also sheds light on the critical role of reverse mentoring, where younger generations mentor older individuals on emerging trends and technologies. Deborah underscores the need for organisations to embrace cross-company and cross-sector mentoring, fostering collaboration and knowledge.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to actively seek out mentoring opportunities and recognise that everyone, regardless of their position, can benefit from both giving and receiving mentorship.

Key takeaways from the episode:

·       Lateral mentoring is a powerful form of support that can come from peers, even those in different departments or industries.

·       Embrace vulnerability and ask for help from unexpected sources. Every connection is useful.

·       Formalise lateral mentoring relationships to make them more effective and focused.

·       Don't underestimate the value of reverse mentoring, where younger generations mentor older individuals on emerging trends.

·       Embrace cross-company and cross-sector mentoring to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

·       Recognise theimportance of both giving and receiving mentorship.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Deborah Heiser: Website |LinkedIn |X/Twitter

Listen to the full episode of this podcast

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring