Mentors and Sponsors

Creating a circle of reliable mentors and sponsors is an invaluable step towards personal and professional growth. I currently have three mentors and in my sphere of influence, and have had several sponsors throughout my career. I am also a mentor and I can honestly say, when you find the right fit, mentors and sponsors can really help to guide your career strategically. And while these relationships can be hard to cultivate it is doable. Here is Part 1 of your guide to forming these critical relationships, complete with practical strategies and a sprinkle of research.

The Vital Role of Mentors and Sponsors

Studies by the Center for Talent Innovation, now Coqual, indicate that having a sponsor can boost your career progress by 23%. You may be wondering how mentors and sponsors differ. Sponsors are your advocates as it relates to your career advancement. Sponsors are usually the people calling your name in rooms to which you have no access, and quietly supporting you in high-stakes situations like promotions or crucial projects. On the other hand, mentors offer the essential guidance and support you need to shine when you get opportunities. Their support usually helps you to show up to your opportunities with confidence, and can be counted on to help you navigate through them.

Seeking a Mentor

• Experience: Look for someone who has a stellar track record in your field. Their expertise can be invaluable.
• Approachability: Your mentor should be open-minded and willing to share their knowledge.
• Communication Skills: A good mentor communicates effectively, and provides clear and helpful feedback.

Seeking a Sponsor

• Influence: Your sponsor should have the necessary clout to advocate for you in critical scenarios.
• Commitment: A sponsor should be dedicated to supporting your career growth, and willing to leverage their reputation to help you progress.
• Alignment: Your sponsor should understand your career aspirations and be in a position to help you achieve them.

1. Recognize Your Needs and Goals

• Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you need guidance. Also, consider your career aspirations. If you aren’t sure think of trends in feedback you have received before, use a personality assessment, and ask your trusted circle for feedback.

• Specific Goals: Be clear about what you want your mentor and sponsor to help you achieve. Remember these are busy people so the clearer you are, the better they will be able to guide you without losing precious time. Example: Clear objectives such as “develop expertise in project management” or “secure a leadership position within two years” are the goal.

2. Finding Potential Mentors and Sponsors

This can feel like a daunting task, but stick with me. There are a lot of options depending on your personality and preferred style of interaction.

• Workplace: Your organization can be a great place to start. Look within your company. Is there someone in a senior position who aligns with your values? Would you be comfortable approaching them? If you can’t find someone in your organization, do not fret there are other options.

• Industry Events: I am adding this one even though I would rather eat chalk than attend a networking event, but it is a great way to meet professionals in your field who could be potential sponsors. There are often opportunities to attend a happy hour, or other social networking events, look out for them. If that isn’t your thing, then try to attend seminars, and conferences. Those are excellent platforms to meet influential professionals in your field, and I find it easier to strike up conversations with people when I enjoy their message.

• Professional Associations: If there are professional associations for people in your field and you can afford the fees, join them. Some of them can be pricey so if your company offers professional development funding, take advantage of it. Associations are great places to meet experienced professionals in your field. When people attend association events one of the purposes is to network so if you are an introvert like me it makes the prospect of walking up to strangers and striking up a conversation less awkward.

• Online Networks: This is one of my favorite ways to meet new people. It is low stakes and still effective. You can easily search LinkedIn for people in your field and try to connect with them on the platform. If they accept your connection request send a message thanking them and stay abreast of what they are doing before making the ask. Follow, read their content, get to know as much as you can about them before making the official ask. If they say no or don’t respond, remember these are busy people and don’t take it personally.

Mentors and sponsors are both roles that can help you to advance in your career. Mentors provide guidance, knowledge, and support, while sponsors actively advocate for your advancement. Use the strategies above to help you find professionals who would be willing to support you in these important roles. Come back next week to learn strategies for how to build and nurture relationships with mentors and sponsors so that it feels authentic and meaningful for you and them.

If you enjoyed this post, and it helped you, please like, comment and share. I hope to see you next week. Make it a great day.