Mentors Helpful. Sponsors Priceless!
Mentorship is still an important career-building tool for those who want to shine in their organization. But, today’s professionals who are looking upward are clamoring for a Sponsor.
Some years ago, just as I was moving from a middle management career role to an executive leadership position, one of our staff asked me to become her Mentor. She shared that the CEO had encouraged her to reach out to me. Although I hadn’t given any thought to mentorship, I sensed that it came with a responsibility I wasn’t sure I was ready for – but if our CEO thought I was “mentorship material” then I would be the best Mentor I could be.
In retrospect, I learned that mentorship is somewhat undefined. I offered a listening ear, support, and guidance when requested. And, I expected nothing in return.
Mentorship is still an important career-building tool for those who want to shine in their organization. But, today’s professionals who are looking upward are clamoring for a Sponsor.
To me, sponsorship is a more proactive role than mentorship. Where an employee may ask his/her Mentor for advice about a workplace issue or next project to take on to move his/her career forward, a Sponsor may raise the employee’s visibility in the organization by recommending him/her for a short-term project in another division or having him/her make a presentation at a professional conference.
Sponsors can make you visible to the top people inside your company, can help you identify new opportunities, earn pay raises or promotions. The relationship is built on trust – and the Sponsor will expect you to deliver and be a positive reflection of his or her sponsorship. In short, a Sponsor is a person who can make your successful career journey a reality.
You can have multiple Sponsors throughout your career. At a seminar where the panelists, a group of C-level women executives, discussed their career growth. The topic of a Sponsor surfaced — and I was delighted to hear one of the panelists refer to their trusted Recruiter as a Sponsor.
Having an external Sponsor, such as a Recruiter, adds to the positive exposure you are likely to get outside your current organization. And, it makes sense — Sponsors are vested in your achievement because they believe in you. So, as you consider the Sponsors in your career life, don’t overlook a valued Recruiter.
As a side note, so much of office work is being done remotely or partly remote. Mentoring or sponsoring an employee remotely may present unique challenges, but it’s certainly not impossible. By promoting self-motivation and accountability, overcoming obstacles, and fostering trust, you can build a strong relationship regardless of the distance. Remember, even though you may not be physically present, your guidance and support can have a profound impact on their professional journey. So, embrace the remote experience and enjoy the rewarding process of helping someone grow and thrive in their career.
