As you navigate your own career path, it's imperative to understand the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, and more importantly, the value of having both in your professional journey.

Mentorship: a guide along your path

Mentorship is a relationship between a mentor who is typically sharing knowledge and providing guidance and a mentee who is learning from that person’s experience and example. The mentor/mentee relationship is built on trust, guidance, and personal development. Partners (Banff’s word for mentors) serve as experienced advisors, providing valuable insights, feedback, and support. Banff partners can provide insight into crucial aspects of professional growth, including understanding how decisions are made at higher levels, interpersonal dynamics, and building executive presence. They offer a safe space to discuss challenges, share wisdom, and gain perspective from someone who has been there before. 

Sponsorship: the door person

Sponsorship, on the other hand, is when a mentor expands their mentee’s visibility within the mentors’ own network, directly providing opportunities for career advancement. Sponsorship takes mentorship a step further by actively advocating for the advancement and visibility of middle managers. It's important to note that mentors primarily provide advice, while sponsors advocate for someone's career advancement directly.  Sponsors use their positions to create opportunities, provide exposure to senior leadership, endorse young leaders, and connect them within their network. Sponsorship is especially critical for individuals from underrepresented groups, as it helps break down barriers and create pathways to senior leadership. Of note, sponsorship is more likely to develop from the basis of effective mentorship. In short, mentorship develops the trust and confidence requisite for sponsorship to occur.

Why You Need Both Mentorship and Sponsorship

While mentorship and sponsorship have distinct roles, the combination of both is a potent formula for your success. Here's why:

• Mentors help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence required for career growth

• Sponsors actively facilitate opportunities for advancement. This synergy ensures a well-rounded approach to professional development.

• Mentors can connect you with peers and industry experts, fostering learning and collaboration. 

• Sponsors, on the other hand, introduce you to higher-level decision-makers, expanding visibility and opening doors to new opportunities.

• Mentors support by building competence, confidence, and reputation. 

• Sponsors advocate for you in crucial decision-making circles, ensuring your achievements are recognized and your potential is maximized.

How to improve your odds of success:

• Proactive engagement: Good mentees take the initiative to engage with their mentors. They schedule regular meetings, come prepared with specific topics or questions, and drive the conversation to maximize the mentorship experience.

• Building a relationship beyond mentorship: Aim to build a genuine relationship with your Partner beyond the formal mentorship arrangement. Seek opportunities to connect on a personal level, showing care and interest in your Partner’s well-being and professional journey.

• Provide value: Look for ways to provide value to your Partner, such as sharing relevant articles, offering assistance on projects, or providing feedback on your Partner’s own work. This reciprocity strengthens the mentorship relationship and drives mutual value.

What now?

Harnessing the power of mentorship and sponsorship is a shortcut to unlocking your full potential, paving the way for a fulfilling and impactful professional journey. Ask yourself the hard questions. Do you have a sponsor in your current workplace? Why or why not? Whether the answer is yes or no, being honest with yourself about where you are and acknowledging the gap is the first step in making progress. To learn more about how to get a sponsor, tune in to executive powerhouse Carla Harris’ Ted talk about sponsorship.