A Better Approach to Mentorship

Bridge mentorships create equal opportunities for young professionals from socially marginalized communities.

June 06, 2023

HBR Staff; Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Research shows that 71% of executives choose to mentor employees who are of their same gender or race. This disparity can be addressed if more companies prioritize “bridge mentorships,” or mentorships that intentionally connect diverse individuals to help level the playing field and provide more equal opportunities. How does bridge mentoring work?

• Bridge mentoring programs aim to address cultural differences in the corporate environment by closing the knowledge gap between socially marginalized communities and the majority group (typically white people from the middle or upper classes).
• Like most mentorships, bridge mentorships have some guidelines, including the promise of confidentiality and non-judgmental attitudes from both the mentee and the mentor in order to build a supportive and safe environment that encourage trust and open conversations.
• Unlike most mentorships, bridge mentors typically receive cultural competency training to equip them with tools they need to navigate cultural differences, understand some of the common challenges faced by their mentees, and identify biases.
• Mentors and mentees meet regularly one-on-one to form a two-way partnership where mentors gain a deeper understanding of mentees’ unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. In conjunction with training, this process fosters empathy and cross-cultural communication.