The Value of a Younger Mentor

Mentors are great to have. We look up to them and respect them. They are wise and more experienced and have a lot of information to share. When you think of people you’d like to be your mentor, consider asking someone much younger than you to join you at your table. And, by younger, I mean someone in their 20s or early 30s who has a fresh degree, a large circle of contacts, and ideas you probably haven’t considered.

Why is this important? For several reasons. First, the world is changing so fast, and it is impossible to keep up with all the new technology, innovations, latest best practices, and emerging trends. Having a mix of ages represented in your circle of friends, professional contacts, and mentors will help keep you at the top of your game. Second, it’s important to understand the world from a younger perspective to keep your seat at the table. Work is ever-evolving. It was not that long ago that social media marketing did not even exist. Now, no company can live without it. Do you need a little guidance on social media marketing? Technology? Apps? Your industry? As work evolves, it is primarily the younger workers who effect change. Learning from these younger game-changers is essential. Third, make no mistake about it. You will be left behind if you don’t evolve and adapt to change. Don’t be that person who says they are too old to learn this or that. Embrace change and latch on to a younger person to guide you.

Your young mentor doesn’t have to be a 26-year-old CEO of an innovative Silicon Valley startup. Maybe it’s the quiet young woman who is an IT guru, a younger colleague starting out in their career, an intern, or the son or daughter of a friend, or maybe it’s more than one person. Invite your mentor(s) to lunch, dinner, or happy hour, and pick their brain(s). You will be glad you did, and you will also help empower rising young stars.