Connecting With Coaches, Mentors, and Sponsors: Advice for the Emerging Leader

The intentional process of building a relationship with a coach, mentor, and/or a sponsor consists of first connecting, and then often reconnecting, over months and years of growth and development. Research has shown that a coach, mentor, or sponsor will each support your personal and professional development in distinct ways, and your approach to each relationship should reflect its specific goals and expectations. Certain practices, however, will help you make the most out of any kind of external guidance. First, engaging in self-reflection will deepen your understanding of your goals and abilities, and communicating these clearly will allow others to provide you with more tailored support. Second, intentionally choosing your coaches, mentors, and sponsors will ensure a good fit and that the relationships are as productive as possible for both parties. Third, good communication and transparency, especially on the expectations and agreements for the relationship, will help build trust and ensure a positive experience. Finally, prioritizing the relationship, and following through with commitments, is key to gaining the respect of your partner and to maximizing the impact of the relationship on your growth and development. © 2021 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.