When Jack Welch ran GE, he introduced a number of new initiatives and ways of working. One of those things was reverse tutoring. It's an approach that turns traditional mentoring on its head as younger people mentor older colleagues. Mentoring is really about bringing those who have experience to share it with those who need it. Today we live in a world that is changing ever faster and where technology is adapting both ways of working and consumer behavior and approaches. In traditional mentoring the experience is usually about leadership, entrepreneurship and business acumen. Business leaders have taken time to build their careers and at the same time the changes have affected especially the youngest of them, creating the opportunity for exposure to new ideas, different ways of working, alternative experiences and contextualization challenges. Reverse mentoring ensures that small businesses can tap into the expertise of a new generation using different techniques and tools to support their business and often time is precious and there may only be a few members of staff whose skills can be leveraged . However, most companies operate a large network of suppliers and associates whose products, services and expertise play a role in providing value to customers. When we talk to most small businesses, they know others that employ young, capable people. Our colleagues may also have older children entering the world of work. Finding a pair of mentors outside of the company structure also brings insights that those inside the company lack. Traditional mentor-protégé relationships typically have a clear, structured goal with regular monthly meetings. While it is still important to meet consistently, this relationship can be more casual. Kevin Baughen, director of a charity marketing and communications consultancy, tells the Guardian that reverse mentoring works better with less structure. I agree, in fact, it is often the most relaxed conversations that produce the best value for the entrepreneur. What matters is that there is mutual respect and a willingness to work together