The Advocate
Do you have an Advocate?
Advocates, are our career influencers who have the ability to speak on your behalf with their network of decision makers.
In 2009, I was introduced to the 7 Levels of Revenue by Bishop Tudor Bismark. This particular Sunday, he was the guest speaker at the Potter’s House, with Bishop T.D. Jakes.
In summary, these are the levels: Wisdom, Vision, Information, Relationships, A good name, Property, and Money. Today, I want to discuss relationships, specifically corporate relationships.
One’s career is a direct reflection of one key corporate currency, relationships. Corporate currency for promotions, demotions, no growth can all be associated to relationships. The value of a relationship, can easily outweigh economic/financial benefits. I quickly learned the following:
It is not WHAT you know
It is not WHO you know
It is who knows YOU.
This paradigm shift was mind-blowing to me! I realized looking back at my early years of my life; I did not know anybody and anybody who was influential- that knew anybody- had no idea who I was. The only thing working for me was I knew I was good at what I did, there was no DOUBT in my mind I could outwork anyone. But, what is the use of outworking and not progressing upward? During a pivotal time in my career, shifting from the role of a contractor to a full time employee was so exciting! New job, new opportunity, new beginnings, new energy! Then the newness quickly died, when a co-worker did not care for the ‘New’ kid on the block. I was intentional in getting guidance, advice, and direction on how to navigate this difficult relationship. She provided relational insight that has connected us to this day. Her guidance repositioned me to view things from my co-workers line of sight and in doing so, I was more quick to release grace then offense. In this scenario she functioned first as a mentor. A mentor, first level of influence, wants her mentee to succeed and is an expert in a certain space. She is in an expert in Project Management, and provided sound advice with the cultural dynamics within my role within the organization. Her role quickly shifted as an Advocate, as she is a very, very influential person who has the attention and accessibility to a network of decision makers. As an advocate, she was the one that would mention my name for 'consideration' of a position. Advocates, are also mentors, however the distinction from a mentor is their exposure to high level relationships to those who have the political capital and authority.
In your professional journey, strive to genuinely align with those who can stretch and develop uncultivated areas within you. In the long term, it will be a win-win for all who are involved.
Corporate Connections
Having a polished portfolio without the right relationships, is like having an ocean full of sinking ships. Establish your professional connections today!
No man is an island unto himself. The principle of leadership is based on the premise of some dimension of human engagement with more than themselves. Name one person, in a viable position of leadership, who did not have a connection? John Maxwell’s book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” has so many laws illustrating and confirming leadership based on influences, relations, connections, and circles. All person(s) within a leadership position did not make it on their own.
I believe there are three critical corporate connections essential to the progress, advancement and improvement for any professional growth. Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, part-time hustler - these sometime silent, stealth connectors will alleviate so much noise for clarity to make sound decisions.
