Hello Maria and Kristoffer! Reverse Mentoring has come to an end. What have you focused on during your teamwork?
Kristoffer: “We didn’t have any specific goals from the start, but we have reflected and talked a lot, and Maria has come up with input on what I can focus on in my everyday life.”
Maria: “I think we have had a clear theme, where we started from Kristoffer’s thoughts and questions and reflected on them.”
Kristoffer, was there anything you wanted to highlight – and now can take you to your everyday work life?
“I wanted to focus on how I can engage colleagues, and we had several discussions about feedback. It’s easy to get stuck in the classic ‘Good job!’, but instead let a little more developing communication come across, and I want to get better at that towards my colleagues.”
Maria chips in: “I told Kristoffer; you don’t get to say ‘Good job!’ unless you also elaborate on what they did well. It’s so easy to get stuck there.”
Changing old habits and established patterns can be a challenge, how did you like stepping outside the comfort zone?
Kristoffer: “When applying, I decided to give this a real chance. Otherwise, there’s no point! It is important to note that the results largely depend on one’s attitude. That you want to and dare to be a little uncomfortable. We’ve had good discussions and, at the same time, a lot of fun, and that’s vital.”
Maria: “Kristoffer was brave and dared to test the ideas and methods we discussed. It has kept us moving forward.”
Maria, did you learn anything that you take with you – beyond your role as a mentor?
Maria: “Yes, absolutely! Even though we work in very different environments, leadership is always about people, individuals, and how we lead them. That is a valuable insight. Also, we’ve had fun, and Kristoffer strengthened me in my role as a leader. Having a senior leader who listens, embraces and tries my ideas and thoughts about leadership was great.”
You work in widely different industries, have various levels of leadership experience, and are new acquaintances to each other. What are your takeaways from that?
Maria: “We are quite different as individuals, and it was interesting to reflect on that in different scenarios and how it affects leadership. We have learned a lot from each other.”
Kristoffer: “I think it is important to be open about one’s shortcomings, and at the same time embrace new ways of thought. And maybe put any differences about how long you’ve been a leader or age aside – and focus on the conversation. Maria has asked some tougher questions where I felt somewhat uncomfortable, but it has made me question old habits and why I do things a certain way. She has done that very well.”
Kristoffer, from your perspective as a mentee – how do you view Reverse Mentorship?
“Initially, it felt a little uncomfortable, but I recommend taking the chance to apply. Having a mentor was interesting, and reverse mentorship is very rewarding. Reflecting with someone without a connection to my everyday life opens other thoughts and questions. We will stay in touch.”