The Difference Between A Mentor And A 'Champion'

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Finding a friend and advocate in the workplace can propel professional growth and success, whether it’s in the form of a mentor, or what Symantec's May Mitchell calls, a champion. The two, she said, are not one in the same.

’A mentor vs. a champion -- [they are] two completely different things. Mentors, you should have multiple. They may or may not be who you work with, or your manager,’ Mitchell said.

She noted that many of her mentors are actually at competing organizations because they ’grew up’ together at the same time in the IT industry.

When seeking out a mentor, she said, be sure the relationship allows for transparency and vulnerability. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose.

’A champion is someone who’s selling for you when you’re not there, and that’s key. You need to have some of those, whether it’s your immediate organization, or within the company,’ Mitchell said.

PUBLISHED DEC. 16, 2015