A win/win connection
For any of us who have watched a game show over the years, we have heard the refrain of hearing from the “sponsor” selling dish detergent or soap. We can also recognize the sponsors of sports teams, arenas, or Nascar drivers. They make themselves known in bright, impossible to miss, colors. In our work lives, we need to think of sponsors in a different way. There is an additional need to make the distinction between a mentor and a sponsor. Both are important to professional growth and development. However, they play different roles.
With mentorship, it is important to understand the nature and value to you and your organization. At a core level, mentoring is about relationship development, professional support, strengthening the workforce, identifying and acquiring skills, and the ability to have an impact on others. The traditional mentor-mentee relationship can often be turned around since it is inherently a two-way conversation. I see younger team members stepping into the mentor role for older colleagues with greater reliance on technology and automation.
By contrast, sponsorship is a much deeper connection. Often the next level and outgrowth of a mentoring relationship. Sponsors not only know you, trust you, and see your accomplishments, they actively advocate for you. While mentors can come from all walks of life, sponsors are more likely going to be specific to your company or the construction industry. If you think about it, a sponsor is going to directly help in advancing your agenda (e.g., more responsibility, promotion, raise, exposure) and elevate your visibility to others. That is a world away from just being a mentor. There is still a time and place for both. Deepening your relationships to the point where you have sponsors is going to accelerate you toward your goals.
Why is sponsorship important for women in construction? I would suggest that there are not enough women in executive leadership roles and many of the men “in the room” may not feel invested in sponsoring. I venture to guess that the idea of true sponsorship is not widespread. I can’t say that I can really identify someone who I would consider a sponsor. You may feel the same way. Here are just a few ideas to consider:
➤ Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or need. Asking for help is a challenge for many. It requires a sense of humility and vulnerability. I don’t know many who want to share their struggles or deficits. In finding a mentor and then a sponsor, that uneasiness can be overcome with less anxiety or concern.
➤ Own your ideas. There will always be someone willing to take credit for your ideas or accomplishments. It is infuriating for anyone to have their thoughts or work product co-opted by a selfish colleague. A sponsor – the person in the room – is going to be your advocate and ensure credit, abilities, and accomplishments are properly ascribed.
➤ Show your ambition. Early in my career I believed all I had to do to advance was to do a good job. I realize now how wrong I was. Letting a manager know that you have greater aspirations is going to get you closer to what you want. You can’t assume that your boss, or your boss’ boss, is a mind reader and knows about your professional goals. A sponsor is going to help navigate the organization’s politics and position you effectively with other decision makers.
You may have risen in your career or company without having a sponsor, let alone a mentor. If that is the case, congratulations. I would remind you that your success or path may be unique or the benefit of unusual circumstances. As you look around your organization or across the industry, I guarantee there are women who will benefit from your wisdom, experience, and guidance. And if you are still aspiring to greater things, find a mentor first. Learn from their experience, ask the relevant questions, and build a deep connection. Hopefully your mentor will evolve into your greatest advocate.
True sponsorship beats mentorship every day for women in construction.