Having allies at work can make a big difference in your success, and you enjoy your job more.
This guide will provide an overview of allies at work – who they are, why they matter, and how to find them.
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What Are Allies At Work?
Allies at work support you, understand you, and are on your side. They want to see you succeed.
Allies can be coworkers, managers, trained mentors, or anyone you interact with. We hear this from learning and development professionals who use our corporate training material.
Background On Allies At Work
There are a few main types of allies you may encounter:
- Mentors – Mentors are more experienced colleagues who give advice and guidance. They have your back and want to see you advance.
- Work Friends – Coworkers you get along with. You trust each other and can confide in one another.
- Sponsors – Influential people who publicly support you and help you get opportunities.
- Connectors – Those who introduce you to key people and networks.
Having allies results in many benefits:
- Increased job satisfaction and engagement.
- Access to information and opportunities.
- Support during challenging times.
- Collaborators for projects and innovation.
- Protection from negative politics or difficult people.
Surrounding yourself with allies can make work more enjoyable and help you succeed.
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How To Find Allies At Work
Here are some tips for finding allies:
- Get to know people – Have informal chats to build rapport and learn about them. Find common interests.
- Offer help proactively – Don’t wait to be asked. Offer your leadership expertize and assistance.
- Collaborate on projects – Working together builds trust and connection.
- Show appreciation – Recognize people’s contributions and say thanks.
- Share vulnerabilities – Open up about challenges you face at work.
- Avoid gossip – Don’t participate in negative talk about others.
- Expand your network – Connect with people outside your immediate team.
- Align on values – Bond over shared passions and causes you care about.
Using Allies To Succeed
Once you have allies, leverage them:
- Ask for feedback to improve your performance.
- Consult them for career advice and planning.
- Seek introductions to helpful contacts.
- Partner on projects and innovations.
- Have them vouch for you when opportunities arise.
- Confide in them for support during difficult times.
Conclusion
Developing allies at work has multiple benefits, from enhancing your job satisfaction and effectively using mentors to propelling your career. Be proactive in building trust, helping others, using mentoring and coaching training courses, and making connections.
Align with those who share your values and priorities. With the support of allies, you can thrive at work.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
