My employer offers a reverse-mentoring program where newbies in their 20s like me get paired up with the older folks (my partner is 45), and teach them a few things about technology. Do you think it’s a good career move to participate in a program where you show someone twice your age and much higher up the chain that you know more than they do?
Go ahead, say 45 is old again — I dare you . . . I double-dare you. Back in my day, little whippersnappers like you kept your mouths shut and did what you were told and liked it, by golly!
Now onto your question, Junior. Smart “elders” choose to participate in such programs because they recognize that building their skills and staying current with new technology is essential for sustaining their careers. For young ’uns, participating in a reverse mentoring program is a great way to build relationships with the senior (not old) leaders who can have influence over your career. So it can be a positive move.
However, if the old folks get any whiff of condescension or smugness, or if you act like you’re fulfilling community service hours by donating your time at the senior center, then the reverse mentoring will put your career in the same gear.
My colleague thinks it’s hilarious to send me e-mails when we’re sitting in our staff meeting, making fun of how different people around the room are acting. I never respond, but I’m afraid he will get caught and I will be guilty by association. He thinks it’s also funny that it makes me uncomfortable, so he won’t stop even though I’ve asked him to. What to do?
That’s so immature. Everyone knows you should IM colleagues instead of using e-mail when secretly making fun of people during meetings!
Seriously, though, just pull the clown aside and tell him directly and frankly that it isn’t funny, that you want him to stop and that if he doesn’t you will “accidentally” forward his e-mails to the objects of his ridicule.