Mentors v Sponsors: What, Why, Who & How?

WOMEN LAWYERS OF UTAHANNUAL RETREAT 2013

Mentors v SponsorsWhat, Why, Who & How!

Elizabeth Jolliffe Your Benchmark Coach 2013

Mentors v Sponsorseither or?


Mentors are . . .


Sponsors are . . .


Mentoring Relationships - types

Formal Mentoring Relationships Someone has responsibility for mentoring you Structured

Informal Mentoring Relationships Forms organically Often more effective


Mentoring – perspectives. . .

Different Ways to Look at Mentoring Doesn’t have to be long term Situational mentoring Multiple mentors at one time Internally and externally


Mentors – why?

Why do you want a mentor? Subject matter expertise Trial skills Career management Workload, time or practice management Ethics Office politics Managing staff Managing clients Business development


Mentors – Whoo? & H’owl you find one?


Start something new. . .


Tips on establishing mentoring relationships

Be proactiveRelationships take timeBuilt on trustGive & takeUse your relationship skills


Tips on maintaining . . .

Use your relationship skills, just like in marriage and friendships

Give & take, be considerateProvide value, how can you helpKeep it fresh


Common Challenges . . .

Not enough feedbackNot enough timeSchedules don’t workNo accountabilityNOT A FIT


Handling continuing challenges. . .

Ask yourself What is most important? Then discuss the relationship Or let it go

Sponsors – talk about you at lunch!


Sponsors . . .

Have influence at the decision making table. Political capital, power,

leverage, cloutBelieve in your

potential. Bet on & invest in you

for their own benefit.Advocate for you.

Acknowledging Challenges . . .


What do you want a sponsor to help you get?

PromotionPartnershipRaiseMore challenging assignmentsMore responsibilityIntroductionsBusiness/ClientsNew jobLeadership role


Sponsors – Who for you?

Consider your purpose.Look for people who could help you with it.Anyone in your corner already?

Distinguish between mentors & potential sponsors

Turn mentors with clout into sponsors?


Who for you?

Who knows you or has heard of you & your work

Who isn’t your bossPeople with their name in lightsPeople with sponsor tendencies


Who for you?

People with real powerWho aren’t your bossWho you may not even like or admire


Who for you?

Pigeonholed or held back as lieutenant by boss?

Consider efficacy v affinity. ie. non-collaborative, non-inclusive types in positions of power & influence, senior level management, etc.

How?



1st Exercise (choose one)

I would like a sponsor or sponsors to help me get the following: (ex. promotion, new job, leadership role, introductions, clients, more responsibility, etc.)

What kind of help could I provide as a sponsor for someone?


2nd Exercise (choose one)

Potential sponsors for me: (Identify by type of position/title or name.)

Who could I sponsor and how would that help me? (Identify by type of position/title or name.)

734 .663 [email protected]

WWW.YOURBENCHMARKCOACH.COM

Thank you!

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Mentors v Sponsors: What, Why, Who & How?

Career

benchmark coach

effectiveelizabeth jolliffe

fitelizabeth jolliffe

externallyelizabeth

goelizabeth jolliffe

freshelizabeth jolliffe

admireelizabeth jolliffe

mentors v sponsors