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Circles of Change: Conversations with Dr. Zara Larsen
on Change Leadership and Career Fulfillment
February 3, 2008
“Mentorship, Sponsorship and All the Flavors In Between”
Guest: Dr. Kathy Kram, Boston University
Anchoring Points:
- Given the pace of change and the steep learning curves that everyone faces in their jobs today, mentoring and coaching are more important than ever before.
- In our life times, we will spend more time in transition than in periods of stability, and the concept of “boundaryless careers” require us to have connections across organizations and industries.
- Relationships are a tremendous source of learning, support, sense of wellbeing, and of course, career advancement.
- Instead of search for THE right mentor, it is critical to create a developmental network or personal board of directors----that handful of individuals who take a personal interest in your development.
- Self-awareness is a pre-condition for effective mentoring relationships: what do you need from others? What do you have to offer others? How do you go about initiating new relationships? How are your social skills (e.g. listening, self-disclosing, handling conflict, etc.?
Overall point: We need a new mindset on mentoring----finding the right mentor is no longer a fruitful strategy. Instead, one needs to know one self well---your values, talents, skills, and preferences----and then build a network of relationships that can help you identify and move in to positions in which you will flourish and find alignment.
Additional Thoughts from Dr. Zara Larsen:
- Mentorship is not a one-way association – two way relationship. The more you give, the more you get. Teacher as student … student as teacher.
- Mentorship may not be sponsorship – the campaigner/one that opens doors for you. Can be more than a coach – listener, sounding board, offer advice, support, ideas. Vested in your progress.
- Most likely will not be just one person – consider “a council or board” that can and will change over time. “One size does not fit all”. Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.
- Need not be restricted to geography – think diverse, wide, across professions, functions, locations, companies, industries, and generations.
- We all retain the responsibility and accountability to manage our own expectations and choices. When someone offers advice, he is likely 50% speaking to himself to confirm success or rethink choices (failures and learnings).
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