Mentorship and advocacy - how they can benefit your career

A crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of career advancement is seeking mentors and advocates. These relationships can transform your career path, as they have for many successful professionals I have helped as a coach.

Mentorship and advocacy have a slightly different focus. A mentor offers guidance and shares insights to help you make better decisions. An advocate, however, champions your skills and potential in spaces where you’re not present, opening doors to opportunities you may not know exist. In my experience, a well-chosen mentor often evolves into an advocate, to support your growth.

Consider the following steps:

1. Understand Your Career Goals

On commencing, reflect on your goal and the supporting objectives. Is it about advancement, a shift in direction, or acquiring new skills, abilities or attributes?

If pursuing a career shift, look for mentors who have navigated similar pathways. If focused on internal growth, find advocates who can influence decisions within your organisation, assisting in developing your pathway. I believe mentors typically embody the qualities or expertise you covet.

2. Seek Alignment

The right mentor understands your potential and shares your values. Seek individuals with similar paths or resonating success approaches, even if they’re outside your current network. An ideal advocate recognises your abilities from afar. 🌟

3. Connect Thoughtfully

Instead of asking someone outright to "be your mentor," take a more considered and respectful approach.

• Highlight what you admire about their work.
• Share a specific challenge and seek their insights.

When it comes to potential advocates, demonstrate your dedication through your work. They’ll need to see you as a dependable and driven individual before championing your cause and seek to provide them with empirical evidence of your capabilities.

4. Build the Relationship

Strong professional relationships are built on trust and respect. Stay connected by seeking advice, following guidance, and showing gratitude. Consider how your connections can benefit too; it's a two-way street. This approach strengthens bonds and enhances rewards for both sides.

5. Diversify Your Support Network

No single person can fulfil every role in supporting your development. Build a diverse set of relationships:

• Professionals ahead of you, offering fresh experiences.
• Senior leaders who can advocate for your advancement.
• Those outside your field who provide unique perspectives.

A varied network adds richness and depth to your growth strategy.

Career success often hinges on support from the right people. By finding mentors who guide you and advocates who champion you , you can uncover unanticipated opportunities. It requires graciousness and gratitude, so express this to those who are helping you to become the best version of yourself.