Delta Airlines has developed a whole new meaning for innovation. The Delta Innovation Class is a mentoring program where leaders can help up-and-coming “doers and innovators” with ideas and advice, while in flight at 35,000 feet elevation. Up-and-comers can apply through LinkedIn to sit with a mentor who happens to be seated on the same flight they need to take.
For instance, Sean Brock, Executive Chef of Husk restaurant, will be flying from Charleston,South Carolina to New York City for the James Beard awards and there is an empty seat beside him. Aspiring chefs, or even someone who considers themselves a foodie, can apply for that seat and will have the chance to talk to Sean about his successes and get some advice for pursuing their career in the food industry for the duration of the flight.
The program is a chance for free education. Both the mentor and the mentee can learn something from each other. It’s also a great way for mentors to pass on their best practices and success secrets to industry newbies. It could even result in a new hire if both participants are in the same area and see an opportunity to collaborate and work together in the future. Mentors may also learn new techniques that they hadn’t used or thought of before. Sometimes once you’re in a field for a long period of time, you get used to doing things a certain way and this can breathe some fresh air into any profession.
This idea is something that an association can benefit from. Instead of in the air, seasoned professionals in the industry can sign up to be a mentor during annual meetings, conventions, and conferences. New members can then apply to have lunch or go on a city tour with a mentor of their choosing to learn how they became successful. It’s a great way for up-and-comers to learn one-on-one from an experienced leader, without being rushed or having to treat it like an interview. It’s a conversation where both parties can teach, as well as learn.
For your next convention or meeting, set up an online place liked a LinkedIn group or a Facebook group where experienced professionals can sign up to be the mentor. Include bios, pictures, awards, etc., so applicants can really relate to who they would like to be matched up with. Then you can accept applications from members who would like to participate and ask for things like goals and previous experience so you can make an accurate match.
Make suggestions like a lunch or dinner, a city tour or a museum visit, or something that will take longer than an hour so the conversation has time to flourish. A meeting planner can make reservations for the pairs and organize the meeting. Then it’s up to the participants to make it happen.
To learn more about the Delta Innovation Class visit their website.
