Page 393 - kf fyi for your improvement license eng 3-4-15

Factor: N/A
Cluster O: Too narrow
Career staller and stopper 108: Overdependence on an advocate
108. Overdependence on an advocate

The most successful men in studies of managerial success usually didn’t have a single long-term mentor
or advocate. They were more likely to have multiple advocates at various stages of their careers. Women
have reported a higher incidence of having single mentors because of being pioneers in a new arena.
They needed one to get into the “Club.” There’s good news and bad news. Having an advocate/mentor is
a great way to get into the mainstream of an organization, be privy to fresh information, and get
advantages—promotions, choice assignments, invitations to events, etc. Having a strong advocate is also
one of the best ways to stall your career long-term. People wonder if you can do it on your own—can you
stand alone without the advocate and be successful? How much of your success was windfall? What
would happen to you if your advocate/mentor left or fell from grace?

“All charming people have something to conceal,
usually their total dependence on the
appreciation of others.”

Cyril Connolly – English intellectual, literary critic, and writer

A problem
• Has been with the same boss, champion, mentor, advocate too long.

• Isn’t seen as independent.
• Others question whether he/she could stand up to a tough assignment or situation without help.
• Might not do well in the organization if the advocate lost interest, lost out, or left the organization.

Not a problem
• Has largely done it on his/her own.
• Has multiple advocates and champions.
• No one questions whether he/she could go it alone.

• Independent, resourceful person.
• Doesn’t use a champion’s influence to get things done.

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