Mentor or Sponsor?

Being a Mentor and a sponsor could be a valuable opportunity.

As a manager what does it mean? Must I be a Mentor for all my employees? Must I be a sponsor too? How does it work? What are the main differences between both roles?

What are the characteristics of a good Mentor?

• Someone who has experience in the area you seek advice and support

• Does not need to be older than you (Reverse Mentoring) 

• Does not need to be your direct manager

• Could be in the same company or not

• Has the capacity to mentor

• Be part of a formal relationship or provide mentoring support ad hoc

• Valid matching criteria with the mentee

What are the characteristics of a good Sponsor?

• is an advocate of your career advancement

• will push forward your name for a promotion, to a role where he or she believes you are a good fit

• extends his or her network of relationship

• provides visibility where and when required to the person sponsored

Very insightful 30-minute webinar HBR hosted on 24th August 2022:

Be the Mentor and Sponsor Your People Need