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Community Manager
May 14, 2024 12:00 AM UTC

Mentorship vs. Sponsorship

In a study by the National Center for Construction Research and Education, the findings point to the importance of sponsorship and that a lack of exposure and opportunities is holding women back. What women need to advance is someone in their corner advocating for the next move, giving them a high visibility project/tasks, and making the right introductions. Do you have a story or example of sponsorship?

    82 replies

    Community Manager
    May 17, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    I couldn't agree more. I think mentorship gives more of hands on support, while sponsorship is just some moral support.
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    Community Manager
    May 18, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    I don't have an examples, but would like to learn more about incorporating this.
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    Community Manager
    May 20, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    I mentor several employees across two companies. One of my main goal is to pass on the knowledge that I have acquired through experience.
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    Community Manager
    May 20, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    I think a mentor is someone you can go to for help, but a sponsor is someone that comes to you to check in and is always available.
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    Community Manager
    May 20, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    Generally I am the one reaching out to various people who I know will fit an opportunity that has opened with either our company or other companies who keep me apprised of their openings, knowing I may know someone who can fill that role. I tend not to mentor, but I do put myself out there to sponsor reliable individuals for positions I know they will do well in.
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    Community Manager
    May 20, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    Mentors offer guidance but Sponsors take an active role in your advancement
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    Community Manager
    May 21, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    The owner of my company is a woman and she is a wonderful example for all of us!
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    Community Manager
    May 21, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    I don't have an example but having connections and having management's backing, people can grow into any position.
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    Community Manager
    May 24, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    Lisa - curious to see this idea of sponsorship from an HR perspective! For example, what could that look like? i.e. a formal way to recognize someone publicly?
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    Community Manager
    May 24, 2024 12:00 AM UTC
    Hi Will Mann! We appreciate your response. It's great to hear a how your company was able to ‘sponsor' female PMs and how it shaped their careers. Kudos! Nina, Customer Advocacy Manager, The Network
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