In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The allies you need - in addition to sponsors and mentors - in your network
• Why you need to have a variety of different functional allies in your network 
• 7 types of allies, and what each one can do for you
• What you should be doing in return 

In the old days, you’d get assigned a work mentor, and that was that. More recently, there’s a lot of discussion about having a sponsor  in addition to a mentor, and savvy docs know the difference between those two types of allies (and why you need both).  However, it’s not sufficient to have just one or two people in your corner. Plus, it’s more effective to have several different types of people in your robust network to help you continue moving upward in your career - or to help you when you want to change completely. 

I was inspired to put together this episode after I received a message on LinkedIn from one of my very loose connections (someone I really don’t know at all) asking if I would be willing to mentor her as she navigates a career change. So, in thinking about mentoring someone for a career change, it’s helpful to consider more broadly the kind of people who can really help you.

In this episode, we’ll talk more about these 7 allies that you need in your network, why you need them, and what you yourself should be doing to add value to the mix.

The 7 allies are:  

• The Flag Flyer
• The Mirror
• The Booster
• The Political Strategist
• The Coach
• The Bridge Builder
• The Influencer

As you listen to this episode, take out a pen and paper and start writing down some of the people you know that fill these roles. Listen to the end as I share exactly how you can approach them to create an even stronger connection and keep them in your network. 

“I think well beyond having sponsors and mentors, the most powerful network is filled with allies who perform specific roles” - Marjorie Stiegler

In this Episode: 

[00:43] The importance of allies in networking and why this topic came up

[02:27] Who do you need in your network specifically? 

[04:04] Learn more about the Flag Flyer

[05:11] Why it’s important to have someone in your corner who can reflect the truth back to you

[06:09] Who you need when you don’t want advice or truth (there’s a time and a place for both)

[06:59] Who are your political allies? 

[08:11] Why you should have a non-directive coach in your corner

[9:00] Is your ‘authenticity’ really a fixed mindset that’s holding you back?

[09:43] Do you know how to leverage the bridge builders? 

[11:00] The influencers in your organization are not always the people at the ‘top’ 

[12:19] Why you should have a list of people who fill each of these roles. 

[15:21] How you should add to the networking ecosystem

Links and Resources: 

Episode 19: Physician Non-Clinical Jobs: How To Get Your Foot in the Door

Episode 36: Are These Authenticity Traps Holding You Back?

Episode 29: Why Use a Physician Recruiter? 5 Things You Need to Know

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