According to Gallup, currently, only 40% of employees report having a mentor in the workplace. Rates are even lower for sponsorship at 23%. These statistics highlight a significant gap in leveraging the power of mentorship and sponsorship in professional growth. But what exactly do these terms mean, and why are they vital in your journey to success?
I've been thinking back to some of the amazing mentors and sponsors I have been lucky to have on my side throughout my professional and academic life, and wanted to share some of my personal anecdotes and tips on how to find mentors and sponsors to help you advance your career.
MENTORS vs SPONSORS: GUIDING vs CATAPULTING
To distinguish between mentors and sponsors, think of mentors as your guiding stars and sponsors as the rocket fuel propelling you towards success.
MENTORS: THE GUIDING STARS
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have incredible mentors who illuminated my path during critical junctures. These mentors were my compass when I felt lost, my navigators when tough decisions loomed, and my knowledge banks when gaps in information needed filling. Whenever anxiety or uncertainty crept in, they were there to provide the reassurance I needed.
The Mentor Effect:
Lighting the Way: In moments of uncertainty, such as when I faced the dilemma of selecting a major between international relations and psychology in college, a mentor' provided clarity and assurance. Ultimately, I pursued International Relations and German Literature, fields I grew to adore. Interestingly, my academic journey also led to an unexpected but delightful twist: I met my future husband during a study abroad program aimed at enhancing my German language skills—a delightful bonus we hadn't anticipated :)
Catalyzing Change: When I found myself paralyzed with fear and guilt at the prospect of leaving a well-paying consulting job that whisked me around the globe in business class, indulging in five-star hotel stays complete with thoughtful chocolates and pearls of wisdom on my pillow during turndown service, a mentor helped me recognize my true needs and purpose. I left my job I was burnt out at and started an MBA at INSEAD - best year of my life!
Mapping the Career Path: My desire to embark on a career in people management, fueled by a passion for people, business, and strategy, was a daunting journey with an uncertain starting point. However, my mentor stepped in to connect the dots, to help me realize my goals, and offered a step-by-step roadmap. She didn't stop there but introduced me to others who had been through a similar path recently, and kept a close eye on my progress. I successfully networked, spotted opportunities, expressed my interest, aced the interviews, and transitioned from individual contributor to people management in a team different than my own.
Navigating Career Crossroads: Upon completing my MBA, I faced a pivotal moment with multiple job offers on the table. Although the logical choice, based solely on financial considerations, didn't resonate with my inner aspirations and instincts, a mentor played a decisive role. They steered me toward Google, a choice driven by alignment with my long-term career goals rather than immediate financial gains. This decision set the stage for an enriching 11-year journey at Google, marked by continuous learning and professional growth.
Finding My Calling: As I contemplated my next steps following my tenure at Google, it was a mentor who helped me recognize my true passion: coaching. I couldn't feel happier and more fulfilled about the choice I made to build my own coaching practice.
SPONSORS: THE CAREER ROCKET FUEL
However, it's not just mentors who play a pivotal role in your journey. You also need sponsors—higher-level executives who use their influence to propel your career within the organization.
The Sponsor Effect:
A Safety Net: When a reorganization resulted in my team dissappearing, my sponsor acted as a safety net, enabling me to take calculated risks and shielding me from the intricacies of organizational changes. Recognizing a fitting role that aligned with my skillset and career goals, he proactively engaged with the hiring manager to endorse my suitability for the position. I not only secured the role but also thrived in it, eventually earning a promotion that expanded my team and influence.
Championing My Cause: My passion for contributing to People-focused initiatives at work was no secret to my sponsor, who was not only aware of my affinity for this area but also impressed by my people skills. Consequently, she promptly nominated me when discussions arose about establishing a 'People' pillar in the wider organizational strategy within our existing organization. Her advocacy, carried out in my absence and with unwavering credibility, played a pivotal role in advancing my professional development - I lead the People pillar for two years, leading to great personal and professional development, as well as recognized impact on the 'people'.
Advocacy: My sponsors, having witnessed my dedication and contributions to the project work that was important to them, reciprocated by putting my name forward and advocating for me during critical calibration meetings, where I wasn't present myself. Their unwavering support was instrumental in my professional development, as evidenced by my manager's revelation that she didn't need to make an extensive case for my promotion, given that other committee members were first to advocate and vouch for my impact.
Mentors Help You Skill Up; Sponsors Help You Move Up
So let's recap..
What is the difference between a mentor and a sponsor?
To put it simply,
✅ Mentors help you acquire skills, while sponsors help you ascend the career ladder.
✅ Mentors engage in conversations with you, whereas sponsors advocate for you.
✅ You choose a mentor, but a sponsor chooses you.
FINDING YOUR MENTORS AND SPONSORS
Now, let's address the million-dollar question: How do you find the right mentor or attract a powerful sponsor?
Here's a roadmap that might help:
Mentors: 💡
Define Your Goals: Clearly articulate your career goals and what you seek in a mentor.
Observe Your Surroundings: Identify individuals who embody the qualities you admire and respect, ideally someone who has been through the path you are hoping to embark on.
Check for Chemistry: It's important that there is chemistry between your mentor and you. They might be the world's most accomplished person who has done exactly what you want to do, but if you don't click, they can't help.
Initiate Connections: When seeking out potential mentors, the approach I've found most effective is reaching out to them individually to express my interest in being mentored by them. I made a point to explain what I found to be inspiring about them, what my needs are, and how I felt they could help guide me, if they would be willing. While joining mentorship programs is also a valuable option, I've personally discovered that such programs don't always align with my preferences. In my experience, mentorship programs occasionally fell short because they paired me with mentors I had no prior relationship with, which sometimes led to a lack of chemistry. Additionally, there were instances where organizations "required" or "strongly encouraged" individuals at certain career levels (e.g., director level) to participate in mentorship programs. While these mentors meant well, it occasionally felt like a box-checking exercise, diminishing the overall mentorship experience for me.
Sponsors: 🚀
Spot the Potential Sponsors: Identify influential figures with a credible reputation. By pinpointing these influential figures with solid reputations, you not only position yourself for potential sponsorship but also align yourself with individuals who are genuinely committed to your growth and success within the organization.
Proactive Engagement: Instead of simply raising your hand for high-visibility projects solely for the sake of visibility, I encourage a more strategic and purpose-driven approach. While it's tempting to jump into any opportunity that promises prominence, it's crucial to align your choices with your skillset, professional aspirations, and passions.
The Value of Authentic Contribution: In my experience, authenticity in your contributions holds paramount importance. Merely seeking recognition through box-checking exercises often leads to inefficacy, as the projects may not align with your expertise or enthusiasm. Instead, I advocate for selecting projects that resonate with your skillset and aspirations while being genuinely valuable and impactful to the organization.
Strategic Alignment: Focus on projects that naturally align with your strengths, passions, and professional goals. By choosing opportunities that are in sync with your skillset, you not only increase your chances of excelling but also enhance your potential to impress high-level executives.
Collaborative Opportunities: Seek projects that offer collaboration with senior executives. These experiences not only allow you to showcase your abilities but also create the potential for influential figures to recognize your work and advocate on your behalf.
Deliver Excellence: Remember sponsors find you so it's important to perform exceptionally to get noticed, and sustained performance will put you on the radar for sponsorship.
THE POWER OF MENTORS AND SPONSORS COMBINED
In conclusion, mentors and sponsors are two indispensable forces in your journey to success. Mentors help you build skills, while sponsors open doors to higher positions. It's the ultimate power combination essential for leadership growth and readiness.
As you reflect on your career journey, think about those who provided pivotal advice, served as sounding boards, and helped you navigate organizational challenges. These individuals were likely mentors and sponsors—your guiding stars and rocket fuel on the path to success. With mentors and sponsors by your side, your journey to success will undoubtedly reach new heights. Embrace this dynamic duo and watch your career soar.
P.S. If you are interested in career advancement from individual contributor to people manager, and would like the support of a high-touch program that will get you there in 6 months with an action-oriented step by step approach and accountability, then check out my Ignite program and give me a shout! 🔥
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