Redefining Professional Relationships
Relationships between leaders and employees aren’t what they used to be. Fifty years ago, conversations — and cultures — in workplaces were markedly different. For instance, many unhealthy practices hadn’t been addressed the way they are being addressed by our current society. The wage gap was even bigger than it is today. Often, harassment and inappropriate behavior in the workplace went unpunished and unaddressed. Today, while we have a long way to go, male and female leaders have begun taking steps to redefine the workplace culture. With this comes a redefinition of what it looks like to relate to our co-workers, employees, and bosses.
What does this mean for female leaders? Well, among other things, it means that we have more options in terms of the types of professional relationships we choose to develop. Today, we have the potential to make closer, more meaningful connections with male and female leaders around us than any other time in history. In my opinion, there are three primary types of professional relationships female leaders can, and should, develop:
· Male Mentors. Mentors are leaders who are usually ranked higher than you. These individuals provide wisdom, insight, training, and perspective. They’ve been where you have, and they know what skills you need to develop to get to your next level. Mentors are invaluable, because without them, we’d have a much harder time developing into the leaders we want to become.
· Male Sponsors. Sponsors are unique from mentors in that, while mentors prepare you to open doors for yourself, sponsors actually open those doors. These are the individuals — again, usually above you in the organization — who advocate for you in meetings you may not be invited to yet. They scout the leaders around them, take notice of who is developing, and do what they can to see those leaders promoted. Make sure you surround yourself with sponsors, as well as mentors.
· Female Coaches. As much as male mentors and sponsors can help us succeed, there’s something about a female leader’s journey that’s uniquely…well, female. There are certain aspects of your journey that only another woman will understand. This is why female coaches are so essential. It’s important to have role models around you who have walked where you’re walking, and understand the unique joys, and challenges, of developing as a female leader.
No matter where you work, or where you lead, there are likely mentors, sponsors, and coaches around you. Your responsibility is to seek out those leaders you admire — those who can help you take the next step — and those who understand your unique journey. Leadership is a demanding calling, but with the current shift in the workplace culture, now is the best time to start seeking out these professional relationships.
So…who are your mentors? Who are your sponsors? Who are your coaches? And here’s a great question to conclude: which leaders are you mentoring, sponsoring, and coaching?
