Guide on Procuring Guidance when Companies Fail to Provide Sponsorship

Guidance Suggestion: Locating Mentorship When Companies Overlook It

Not every workplace provides formal mentoring or professional growth programs, but that doesn't imply your progress should come to a halt. In such circumstances, assuming control of your career necessitates creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to go beyond the confines of your workplace.

Several approaches can help you progress without company-sponsored mentorship. For instance, you can seek advice from experienced professionals in your field or enhance your skills through self-directed learning. Here, 20 experts from our Website Coaches Council share their top methods for independently finding mentorship and development opportunities outside of work.

1. Leverage Moments for Learning with Precise Questions

Keep your curiosity piqued and be specific in your daily interactions. If you notice a specific ability or trait during a meeting that you wish to develop, don't hesitate to ask if they would be open to sharing their insights. Many people welcome the chance to assist others in learning and improving as long as the query is focused and precise. Utilize these opportunities to learn from those who've gone before you. - Rebecca Dorsey, The RE Group

Individuals can drive their own development by actively expanding their professional network both within and outside their organization, connecting not only with mentors but also with sponsors. While mentoring involves advice and guidance, sponsorship is a more proactive form of support that involves advocating, creating opportunities, and championing career advancement. - Elisa Mallis, Center for Creative Leadership

3. Connect with Someone You Admire

Creating your own mentorship involves a three-step process. First, identify someone you admire. Next, express your desire to learn from them. Finally, organize a meeting to ask a specific question related to the advice you seek. It may be too much to ask someone directly to "mentor" you, but professionals you respect and wish to learn from are generally open to sharing their insights. - Joelle Jay, LRI

4. Identify Growth Areas and Seek Advice

Recognize your personal growth areas in terms of technical skills (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and financial literacy (FQ). Look for individuals who excel in these areas and reach out with a specific request, such as, "I admire your [specific trait] and would appreciate 30 minutes of your time to seek advice." This approach is focused, friendly, and can be an effective way to initiate a mentorship relationship. - Ajit Dodani, EmpathifyU

5. Create Your Own Opportunities

As Shirley Chisholm once said, "If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Sometimes, you may need to build your own "table" by creating networking opportunities, seeking mentorship, and acquiring new skills through shadowing, volunteering, and informational interviews. Your determination to achieve your goals will be recognized. - Joyel Crawford, Crawford Leadership Strategies, LLC.

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6. Explore Pro Bono Options

When companies don't offer mentorship or leadership advancement programs, a self-motivated individual can find coaches and advisors who work on a sliding scale or pro bono basis. With persistence, you can find resources. Self-motivated individuals can also benefit from leadership books, online forums, and audio resources. Offering to trade your skills or expertise is another option. - J.K. Dickinson, J.K. Dickinson & Associates

Those who courageously express their needs are often the ones who set themselves apart. Eager professionals can seek mentorship and development opportunities by proactively reaching out to colleagues, industry leaders, or local networking groups. By sharing their goals and interests, they can create valuable connections and resources even without company sponsorship. - Jackie Simon, Jackie Simon Coaching

8. Build Your Own ‘Board of Directors’

Simply ask. I recommend my clients to build their own “board of directors.” Need help in a specific area? Identify someone who’s an expert in that field. To build skills, for example in public speaking, find someone who excels in that area. Approach them, and propose setting up regular meetings to learn from their experiences. - Shelley Hammell, Sage Alliance, Inc.

9. Allow Mentorship to Evolve Naturally

Find someone whose journey resonates with you and whose skills and experiences you'd like to emulate. Connect with them by sharing your commonalities and engaging with curiosity. Be of service, and share openly. Powerful mentorship relationships often develop organically in this way. Be patient and let time take its course, so the right fit emerges through natural development. - Dinorah Nieves, Dinorah Nieves, PhD

10. Take the Initiative and Approach Senior Leaders

Take charge of your own development by seeking informal mentorship and guidance from senior leaders outside your organization. Showing initiative and proactivity in the workplace is admired by executives. Even if your company doesn’t provide development resources, you can still look for external guidance to help advance your career. - Evan Roth, Roth Consultancy International, LLC.

11. Establish Your Own Support Circle and Mentorship Group

There are numerous chances to create a nurturing professional network, both within and outside the workplace! A leader might pinpoint influential individuals or mentors they respect and request informal mentor or sponsor relationships within their organization or externally. They can also initiate their own support network with colleagues. Externally, mentoring circles can be highly beneficial. The secret is to be visible and truthful. - Lisa Walsh, Beacon Executive Coaching

12. Embrace Self-Directed Professional Advancement

Capitalize on professional networks, join industry associations, and participate in relevant conferences or webinars. Reach out to industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn, expressing enthusiasm for learning. Embrace self-directed professional advancement by signing up for online courses, reading renowned industry books, or participating in community projects - to uncover opportunities and demonstrate your ambition. - Cheri Rainey, Rainey Leadership Learning

13. Be Bold and Observe How Potential Mentors Succeed

Be courageous—connect with people you admire who are succeeding in areas that fascinate you. Ask questions, observe carefully, and take notes. Offer follow-up interactions to deepen their insight. Serve them instead of seeking solely for yourself. Ask who their mentors are and how they acquired them. - Darla Beam, Darla Beam Leadership & Coaching

14. Elicit Guidance from People with Desired Skills and Experience

Inquire! Identify individuals with the desired skills and experience, and then devise a method to connect. You must provide a genuine reason for them to be interested in helping you. Many people would be more than willing to help, especially if they believe you're serious. Investigate on LinkedIn; it's an excellent starting point for your search. You don't require a formal mentorship program, but ensure you're prepared to pay it forward. - Ricky Muddimer, Thinking Focus

15. Recognize Your Own Shortcomings to Enhance Your Impact

Work on your impact, and mentorship and professional growth will follow. You'll notice gaps in your abilities when you don't have an impact or aren't attracting what's not working. If you're unaware of your deficiencies, you won't know who to select as a mentor or the professional development essential to gain momentum. With this essential info, you're prepared to inquire. - Miriam Simon, Mi Sí Coaching and Consulting LLC

16. Seek Mentorship and Development through Informal Networking

Experienced professionals can gain mentorship and growth by connecting through industry events, joining professional associations, or interacting on LinkedIn. They can also make the most of free or low-cost resources like webinars, online courses, and podcasts. Volunteering for projects beyond their expertise and establishing informal mentors in their network are effective methods of advancement without corporate sponsorship. - Adaora Ayoade, EZ37 Solutions

17. Expand Your Professional Circle; Engage with Industry Community

Professionals can promote their growth by seeking mentors through their expanded network. Begin with LinkedIn, networking events, or industry communities. Consider investing in courses or offering to mentor someone yourself. Reading, attending webinars, and participating in professional groups can also offer valuable learning opportunities without corporate sponsorship. - Sandro da Silva, Bettercoach

18. Foster Your Own Mentorship Network by Engaging with Industry Experts

The secret is to create your mentorship network actively by connecting with professionals whose careers you respect. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for this—reach out to industry leaders, engage with their content, and offer value in exchange. Webinars and conferences also offer opportunities to connect with potential mentors who can offer insights and guidance. - Lynn Smith, Lynn Smith Media & Communications

19. Join a Nonprofit Board or Committee to Learn and Grow

You don't require anyone's approval to learn and progress. If your company doesn't offer support or you can't afford formal training, explore opportunities with professional organizations. Joining a nonprofit board or committee is an excellent way to gain experience and identify mentors. - Anthony Howard, HR Certified LLC

20. Request Referrals from Successful Individuals

Successful people often know other successful people. If someone you'd like to mentor doesn't have the time to mentor you, ask for a referral to someone they think would be suitable for you. It could take a few meetings to find the right mentor—but you may end up gaining a community of mentors who can help you in various aspects. - Karlo Tanjuakio, GLSS + Kure

To further your career growth, you could request referrals from successful individuals who might have connections with suitable mentors for you.
Developing your skills through self-directed learning and seeking advice from experienced professionals in your field can help you progress even without company-sponsored mentorship programs.