When it comes to career development, and really so many other things in life, you can\u2019t do it alone, and because you can\u2019t do it alone, neither can others.\u00a0 Once you realize the power of your own voice, look around you and figure out who you need supporting your voice, who will be your greatest advocate, who will you talk to first when you have a ground-breaking idea?<\/p>\n
While discovering and embracing your own power is important, the “Power of Us\u201d can be the game-changer.\u00a0 Men support each other all the time \u2013 where do you think the phrase the \u201cgood, old boys club\u201d comes from?\u00a0 If women employ some of the same techniques used by men to work together, support each other and lift while they climb, career support can be transformational.<\/p>\n
As with everything, it\u2019s important to find the power balance, a balance of mentor and mentee.\u00a0 When you identify a woman boss or colleague who will help amplify your voice at work, you may have also found a mentor who could become a huge advocate for you.\u00a0 A good mentor will support your voice and help transform your ability to speak out and speak up.\u00a0 She (or he) can:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re the one in this scenario who has become the mentor, the work colleague who is ready, willing and able to lift while she climbs, make sure you\u2019re not mentoring others to the detriment of your own career. \u00a0There\u2019s a mentor for everyone.\u00a0 Even if you need to look outside your department, company or industry, you need a mentor to help create visibility and open doors for you.<\/p>\n
Internal and external mentors serve different roles.\u00a0 An internal mentor is someone within your own organization, workplace or industry.\u00a0 This person understands the culture of your workplace or industry.\u00a0 A mentor who knows these intricate details can provide advice and insights that no one else can.\u00a0 If you work directly with the person, she\/he can also provide a unique perspective of how you are perceived in the workplace.<\/p>\n
External mentors come from other companies, and different areas of business.\u00a0 The balance of having an internal\/external mentor, similar to the male\/female balance, will help provide a holistic approach to the self-improvement process that takes place in a mentoring relationship.<\/p>\n
Early in my career, I was more inclined to take a quick lunch at my desk.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t fully understand the value of having lunch with my co-workers, learning the players and gaining support for my ideas and my work.\u00a0 Getting to know people and supporting each other is also more enjoyable, so don\u2019t miss the opportunity.\u00a0 It\u2019s good for your career and good for your mental health!<\/p>\n