Intentional Collaboration: Understanding the need for Mentorship and Sponsorship

The Level Set:

Have you ever heard a word used so many times that it begins to lose its impact? I fear that is where many have landed with mentorship. Similarly, sponsorship often gets misunderstood and when we hear this word, even in the proper context, we tend to think of it in terms of financial backing, not power sharing or intentional advocacy. So let’s start by getting on an equal playing field with what these words mean and how we can incorporate them meaningfully into our lives. 

Today, I want to discuss:

1. Meaning and application of mentorship, sponsorship 
2. Our Advisors and Advocates
3. The importance of both in our lives and networks
4. Success in younger generations can be impacted if we don’t address the deficiencies we’re building into the system 

Trusted Advisors:

Mentorship (noun): to help and give advice to a younger or less experienced person, especially in a job or at school

In order to have success in a mentor/mentee scenario, some work is required. Nothing happens in a vacuum.

Consider the 3 C’s 

Commitment:

• It takes 2 to tango! If one person is checked out, this is a doomed partnership
• We don’t always get to pick our mentor/mentee, this is likely in a school or professional training setting
• If you are not a match for each other, send up the flag! Do not stay in a relationship that is not going to help your success and growth, it’s pointless all around

Clarity:

• Establish clear goals, expectations, and objectives from the outset 
• Ensures that both mentor/mentee are on the same page 
• Clear goals = measurable success = increased confidence SCORE!

Communication:

• Open and honest dialogue is key for sharing knowledge, feedback, addressing challenges
• Fostering a safe space for both mentor & mentee to express their ideas
• For more info on what is meant by “safe space” check out my blog posts on psychological safety or attend one of my seminars on the topic

As a long time member and now the Northeast Region Director of NAWIC, I have had many occasions to act as both mentor and mentee. This benefit is common in member associations you are actively participating in because there is often networking and professional development built into the structure. 

Mentorship can happen organically, meaning you don’t make a formal request for someone to act as your advisor, you both mutually start knowledge sharing without naming the relationship. This can also be a more formal process like in a school setting, where a counselor may assign a mentor. If you find someone you really click with, you may ask them flat out to work with you as a mentor- which is a perfect start because it sets you up automatically for those 3 C’s listed above. If the relationship is accepted, you can start laying the boundaries and ground work from there. 

Advisor Self Study Homework

Answer these questions to reflect learning on the mentorship section:

1. Who came to mind for you as you reflected on mentorship/advisor relationships? 
2. Maybe there is one standout or many that helped along your growth journey
3. Did you ask them to mentor you or did it come about organically overtime?
4. Have you had the opportunity to act as someone’s guide?
5. How did it make you feel?

Intentional Advocacy

Sponsor (noun): the act of supporting a person, organization, or activity by giving money, encouragement, or other help

Sponsorship often gets misunderstood and when we hear this word, even in the proper context, we tend to think of it in financial terms, not power sharing or intentional advocacy. When I say ‘sponsorship’ I am talking about a much more personal, strategic, and active form of support that goes farther than the mentorship relationship often does.

Sponsorship can mean financial backing.

• Ex: A colleague not only invites you to a leadership conference, they pay for your ticket. Maybe they know your employer wouldn’t cover the cost
•  A HUGE red flag, by the way, if your employer isn’t investing in your professional development
• However this colleague recognizes the importance of this event for you and your advancement and removes the road blocks that would have kept you away

I have the opportunity to witness intentional advocacy on a regular basis and it is truly a blessing for me. I do my best to highlight and call it out when I see these acts in person and make sure those engaging in it realize the weight of their crucial role. So often, those that are in the position to be those advocates or sponsors do so without realizing what they are doing and certainly without wanting credit. Most often, they can recall those that helped them along their way and are simply “lifting as they rise”

I won’t list these influential leaders out by name here but as they read this article, they will know who they are- likely because I have called them out in the middle of a meeting for their moment of advocacy. I see you! Thank you.

Taking the pause to praise this behavior when we see it does a few things, in my opinion:

1. Shows respect and gratitude for the advocate
2. Teachable moment for those that otherwise may have missed it
3. Reminds us all to not only be on the look-out for these important advocates but to BE one ourself
   

The Disconnect: Who Gets Lifted and Who Gets Left Out

While the need for mentorship and advocacy is universal, access to both has never been evenly distributed. For younger generations entering the workforce, especially Gen Z, there’s a growing disconnect. In more remote/hybrid environments, traditional paths to mentorship and sponsorship have faded. 

Watercooler conversations, informal introductions, and “tap on the shoulder” moments are less frequent. Many young professionals report feeling unsure of how to ask for help or build authentic relationships with leadership, and without visibility, they’re often overlooked for advancement. This lack of socialization is seen as a lack of ambition, but what if it’s a lack of understanding that we haven’t adapted to the changing landscape yet? 

Leaders! Are you listening?

The result? 

A cycle where talent exists, but opportunity doesn't. Breaking that cycle requires intentional action: recognizing who has been historically left out, redesigning access points, and redefining leadership to include not just guidance, but elevation.

Mentorship and advocacy are both essential to personal and professional growth but they serve different purposes. As mentors, we offer guidance, share knowledge, and help others think differently. Mentors are sounding boards, coaches, and a trusted advisor who helps us grow our confidence and clarity. But growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum! Growth requires access. That’s where an advocate (sponsor) comes in. An advocate doesn’t just offer advice, they use their influence to open doors. They speak your name in rooms you haven’t entered yet, make strategic introductions, and actively invest in your visibility. While mentorship builds readiness, advocacy creates opportunity. Together, they form a powerful foundation for advancement and impact.

If your team needs help building rapport to foster better advisor and advocate relationships internally, you know where to turn! Invite me in for a team building session and check my website for more information.