By Lisa Nichols
Career
Any executive leader will tell you that they have reached their success in part due to the relationships they’ve developed throughout their career. Performance and abilities are essential to securing a leadership position, but without key connections, they will only take you so far.
For women in the corporate sector, knowing how to position themselves for the next level is closely linked to their ability to obtain both mentorship and sponsorship.
What is the Difference Between Mentorship and Sponsorship?
Mentorship is learning from the experience of someone who is ahead of you in their career. They understand where you are, because they’ve been there, and they know what it will take for you to get to the level they’ve reached.
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, finding a mentor will help you to learn what you need to know and which skills you need to focus on to achieve your goals. If your organization has a mentorship program, take advantage of it. If there is no structured program, you can also ask someone whose career you admire if they would be open to mentoring you.
Sponsorship is having someone who will advocate for you and mention your name in the room when you’re not there. It is someone with a seat at the table who can recommend you for a promotion or support you as a candidate for a new role. Sponsors not only offer advice and share their knowledge; they also vouch for your capabilities.
If you want a sponsor, you need to start by building an authentic relationship with someone in a position of power who can support you in reaching the next stage of your career. A sponsor needs to understand who you are and how you are uniquely positioned to impact the company. They need to be familiar with your accomplishments and to have a vision for your future success.
How to Maximize Both Relationships
While a mentor and a sponsor play different roles in your career journey, connection is at the heart of both relationships. If you find yourself feeling stuck in your career and unsure which actions will help you achieve your goals, start by building relationships with women and allies who reflect the career success you want.
Look for opportunities to be in the room with women who are ahead of you in their careers and with leaders in positions of authority and influence. Introduce yourself and let them know something you admire about them. Don’t wait to be noticed for your performance; be proactive and advocate for yourself.
As you develop authentic relationships with key leaders, you equip yourself for career growth and open up the door to reaching your full potential.
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Lisa Nichols is a Team Connection and Talent Development Partner who helps leaders create environments that encourage each team member to thrive. She loves connecting with amazing women and inspiring people to advocate for themselves and others.
