Invest in Success

HireHer®
HireHer®
Sep 9, 2018 · 2 min read

Think of a time when you were new to the neighborhood and you needed to learn your way around. Wasn’t it nice when you had a cool neighbor that was willing to tell you where to find the best stores, or restaurants? It adds real value to the lives of others when you can save them time or disappointment. For example, could the new neighbor try the grocery store around the corner that frequently has expired food on the shelves or eat at seven different restaurants before finding the one that is really special? Sure. But, why not be an angel and invest in someone’s success?

Everyone can benefit from being and having a mentor, sponsor or coach. You may know that learning sharpens even the most accomplished CEO’s skill mix. It’s best not to rely exclusively on the same mentor or coach you have had for years. During a recent leadership roundtable HireHer founder and CEO, Ruth Chandler Cook encouraged the leaders in the room to recognize when these relationships happen naturally and that it should be appreciated when it occurs. She then offered quick definitions of each word:

Mentor — to advise or train

Sponsor — to introduce or support

Coach — to analyze performance, teach or train

Let’s not over complicate the thing. You see, many of the leaders just met and lamented they don’t have time, or they didn’t know how to mentor. But after hearing the definitions of the words, they all nodded agreement that they engage in these acts all the time. They laughed when Ruth flagged the unsolicited advice free flowing with regular dialogue. Sponsorship was also happening during the quick swap of business cards to make introductions to people they knew who might be able to help solve problems. The room was full of coaches, and some leaders even analyzed the problems of others during the session.

The next time someone asks you to be a mentor, sponsor, or coach, remember the quick definitions. Simply manage the requestor’s expectations by clarifying the scarcity of your time and consider offering to do what you can even if behind the scenes. There is good wisdom out there, don’t you want to get it or give it? It should not be easy to say no, or nothing at all if people want or need your help.

Interested in being a Sponsor, or hearing Ruth’s ideas? You can HireHer to speak to your leaders Contact@hireher.com for fee schedule and available dates.

We offer sincere thanks to all who have and will sponsor HireHer and Ruth; even if you do it or did it from behind the scenes. Thank you!

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