In this engaging discussion, Rosalind Chow, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University specializing in organizational behavior, shares invaluable insights from her book, The Doors You Can Open. She differentiates between mentorship and sponsorship, highlighting how the latter creates more meaningful opportunities for career advancement. The conversation dives into the effects of social hierarchy on diversity and inclusion, the power of positive connections, and the critical role of deep listening. Real-world examples, like Kim Ng's journey, demonstrate the transformative potential of effective sponsorship.
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insights INSIGHT
Inequality Persists Through Hierarchies
Social hierarchies naturally organize behavior but often align with irrelevant traits, causing inequality.
Understanding this persistence led Rosalind Chow to focus on reducing social inequalities through sponsorship.
insights INSIGHT
Confidence Mistaken for Competence
Confidence often gets mistaken for competence, causing leaders to emerge based on speaking frequency.
This proxy is unreliable but results from human cognitive shortcuts in social groups.
insights INSIGHT
Sponsorship vs Mentorship
Sponsorship differs from mentorship by changing the social environment rather than trying to change the individual.
Sponsorship involves advocating for others without coaching them, like endorsing someone in a letter of recommendation.
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A New Way to Network, Build Trust, and Use Your Influence to Create a More Inclusive Workplace
Rosalind Chow
Rosalind Chow's "The Doors You Can Open" explores the concept of sponsorship as a crucial tool for fostering inclusivity in the workplace. The book differentiates sponsorship from mentorship, highlighting how sponsors act on behalf of their protégés to influence external audiences. Chow emphasizes the importance of trust in sponsorship, arguing that sponsors must trust their protégés' abilities, while the protégés' trust in the sponsor is less critical. The book provides practical strategies for individuals to become effective sponsors and advocates for others, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive work environment. It challenges traditional networking approaches, advocating for a collective problem-solving model that prioritizes the group's success.
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Rosalind Chow, an associate professor of organizational behavior and theory at Carnegie Mellon University. Rosalind shares insights from her new book, The Doors You Can Open, where she distinguishes between mentorship and sponsorship, emphasizing the importance of actively creating opportunities for others.
Melina and Rosalind dive into the dynamics of power and status within organizations, discussing how social hierarchies can impact diversity and inclusion efforts. They explore practical strategies for individuals at any level to become effective sponsors, highlighting the significance of good listening and the power of positive connections. The conversation also touches on real-world examples, such as the story of Kim Ng and Derek Jeter, illustrating how sponsorship can lead to transformative career opportunities.
In this episode:
Discover the key differences between mentorship and sponsorship, and why both are essential for career development.
Learn how social hierarchies influence decision-making and the importance of understanding power dynamics.
Explore the concept of "good gossip" and how it can be used to foster connections and support others.
Understand the role of listening in effective sponsorship and how it can deepen relationships.
Gain insights into actionable steps you can take today to become a sponsor for someone else.
Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/489.
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