As you should know by now, my blog posts are based on my personal experiences. Often these experiences come in clusters, reinforcing the need to address a pertinent topic. This weeks’ post follows that model.
Saturday evening my colleague, Stan, and I were conducting one of our periodic staff meetings over Bourbon and Cigars at our favorite watering hole. Clearly, this is my preferred way to discuss business. Our conversation focused on progress and challenges we are working through with our clients. Most of those issues are related to leadership and accountability, no surprise there. Eventually; the discussion came around to critical factors leading to a successful career. Stan told me about his time at Dunn and Bradstreet where he benefitted from a close relationship with his mentor. Furthermore, he said that Sponsors were helpful to his career progression.
This line of discussion seemed to fall in line with the topics of the last few weeks, so I was beginning to formulate my ideas for this post. Validation for this week’s topic arrived Wednesday when I received a call from a close friend of twenty years, who is also my Attorney. She asked if I would mentor and coach her 23-year old son who is having difficulty finding his way in the world. There are few greater compliments in life than to be called upon to help a friend guide their child’s development. So, of course, I accepted, and we scheduled our first meeting.
I can’t remember talking to anyone who discounted the importance of role models, mentors, or sponsors. Everyone I know has told me about role models and mentors who have helped shape their lives and careers. Intuitively, we all understand their importance, but I am not so sure we know the difference or how to find and work with these folks. So, let’s find some clarity.
Role Models are people we choose to emulate for whatever reason. They are examples to follow. One may or may not know these influencers who may be living or dead. A Role Model is chosen based on their style, or success in their chosen field. Usually meant to be positive, a role model is chosen to match one’s values, self-image, bearings, and or goals. A Role Model is an aspirational standard.
A mentor is someone develops a relationship with a less experienced or less knowledgeable person as a means to transfer knowledge. The recipient of the mentor’s guidance may be called a protégé, apprentice, or mentee. The mentor is usually an older person, but not necessarily. A peer may be a mentor if passing on skills or experience needed by the other person. The concept of a mentor has been in play for thousands of years. The name “Mentor” actually came from a character in Homer’s “Odyssey.” Other names for this role include guru, elder, or master. Mentors provide their knowledge on an as-needed basis, as requested by the protégé, and don’t necessarily expect anything in return. The relationship may be informal, developing naturally, or it may be formal and structured, built into the culture of the organization.
Sponsors have a vested interest in the success of the protégé. They offer guidance and support because they believe the protégé’s has potential. The relationship includes the expectation that the protégé will perform well, reflecting on the sponsor’s standing. This relationship is more proactive, requiring mutual trust and respect. The sponsor is someone who can open doors and provide opportunities for the protégé, including high-visibility assignments leading to career advancement. The protégé is expected to deliver the results which will protect and enhance the sponsor’s reputation. It is a win-win relationship.
Role models, mentors, and sponsors are vital for the career minded individual. If you intend to be successful, it would be wise to find people who can fill these roles, and in the case of mentors and sponsors, are willing to help you.
