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  • June 10, 2022
  • Article
  • Wall Street Journal (online)

What Top Executives Can Learn from Junior Employees

By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

Having reached the pinnacle of their careers, many top executives think their learning days are over. Their role, as they see it, is to make pronouncements, define strategy and impart to others the benefits of their vast experience—that is, to tell the employees below them the “right” way to do things. However, in a world of rapid change and uncertainty, that attitude is a mistake. Instead, savvy executives should consider taking advantage of a resource close at hand—their newest associates—and try reverse mentoring, where they make an effort to listen and learn from junior employees.

Keywords

Executives; Mentoring; Innovation; Leadership; Employees; Learning; Change

Citation

Kanter, Rosabeth Moss. "What Top Executives Can Learn from Junior Employees." Wall Street Journal (online) (June 10, 2022).
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About The Author

Rosabeth M. Kanter

General Management
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