Mentor should be advocate

What kind of mentoring do women need and want on the job? All generations of the women who make up about 52 percent of today's employment base have the same list: a boss to help navigate career paths, straight feedback, advocacy and coaching, sponsorship for formal development programs and flexible schedules.

On the surface, the mentoring news seems good for women. A 2008 Catalyst survey of more than 4,000 high-potentials (women graduating from top MBA programs between 1996 and 2007) shows that more women than men have mentors. But not all mentoring is created equal. These women were paid $4,600 less than men in their first post-MBA jobs, held lower-level positions and felt less career satisfaction.

How did this happen? Among the reasons, as Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever suggest in their book, "Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide," is that most women simply didn't speak up. They just took the salary that was offered at the outset and didn't bargain. At work, they may still be doing the same, and that could be hurting them.

The hidden key to moving up the ranks, according to Herminia Ibarra, Nancy Carter and Christine Silva in an article in the September Harvard Business Review, is "sponsorship," meaning having a mentor who does more than give feedback and advice but instead uses his or her position and influence to be your advocate. Compared with their male peers, say the authors, women with the highest potential were actually "overmentored and undersponsored."

What does this have to do with your career? You need an advocate who is a mentor and sponsor. Because most companies do not assign mentors, and even in companies that do, the mentors do not always work out.

You need to find someone who will have your best interest at heart. Here's how to start:

Dorothy Perrin Moore, Ph.D., is professor emerita of business and entrepreneurship at The Citadel.

The Job Coaches are experienced volunteers from the Center for Women's Job Counseling Program. Ask them a question by calling 763-7333 or e-mailing info@c4women.org. If you would like further assistance, make a counseling appointment; a donation of $35 is requested.