Mentorship Types

Why horizontal beats vertical every time

Vertical
Becomes Transactional Creates a power imbalance based on workplace hierarchy

Mentorship is not training. When mentorship is vertical, the focus is on the mentee getting something as opposed to both people benefitting.

18%

Of Participants in Traditional...

Vertical mentorships are considered productive and quality by both parties

Horizontal
Builds Empathy Creates opportunities to learn about obstacles

Mentorship is mutual. When mentorship is horizontal, the focus is on both people learning and teaching, regardless of experience or status.

72%

Of Participants in Horizontal...

Mentorships last for 6 months and are considered productive by participants

vertical mentorship

Ego-driven

Power imbalances

Pressure to impress

Communication barriers

vertical mentorship
VS.
horizontal mentorship

Open-minded

Mutual respect

Shared motivations

Empathy

horizontal mentorship