The Power of Reverse Mentorship in Leadership
- Liza Engel
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
One of my most transformative leadership moments lately didn’t come from a senior executive or industry veteran.
It came from someone much younger—someone with zero interest in sounding impressive. They simply asked:
“Why do you do that?”
I laughed, trying to come up with a simplified explanation. But the truth was… they were right. I was overcomplicating it. That simple question was a gift—a mirror, a pause, a reset.
The Power of Reverse Mentors
Reverse mentorship is an opportunity to realign and recalibrate.
These are the people who challenge not just what we do—but how we think. They slice through jargon, ask the questions others won’t, and often see with clarity what experience has made cloudy.
Some of my biggest insights have come from:
People unafraid to challenge
People who simplify instead of complicate
People who remind you to pause—and give space to find your own answers
3 Simple Practices
The “10-Year-Old” Test: Explain your next complex idea (literally, or as if) to a 10-year-old. If it doesn’t land, simplify again.
Sit in the Silence: Hold back your “solution voice” for 60 seconds longer than usual. Watch what unfolds.
Ask More Than You Teach: Leadership today is less about knowledge transfer and more about co-creating insight. Continue asking why questions, up to five times. Thank you Mr. Toyoda (Founder of Toyota).
What I’ve Learned about Simplicity
We’re overtrained to chase quick wins and solutions.
Most people already hold the answer—they just need space to get to the better solution.
Simplicity often takes more wisdom than complexity.
Mini-Challenge: Reverse Mentorship Radar
Think of one person younger, less experienced, or outside your typical circle.
Ask them one genuine question this week—and just listen. No advice. No fixing. Just presence.
Sometimes, the wisest people in the room are the ones not trying to be.
Let that reminder lift the weight from your leadership shoulders. You don’t always have to have the answer.
Sometimes, your greatest power lies in the pause and your supportive community.
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