Mobilising Sponsorship for an Equitable Workforce

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Mobilising Sponsorship for an Equitable Workforce

November 17, 2023

There is power in people coming together. The Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program is the largest group mentoring program for the Government of Canada and Canadian Armed Forces members and is hosted annually by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence.

From September to December 2023, we are currently in the 3rd cohort of the program with over 700 participants from over 30 departments participating in one of 75 group mentoring circles.

To kick off the 10-week Inclusive Leadership program, LLMC participants engaged in their designated circles, where they delved into the Circle #1 Discussion Guide - Sponsorship and Career Building. They explored key terminology distinctions, such as those between mentor, sponsor, and coach, and discussed the importance of sponsorship within the federal public sector. They also examined strategies for obtaining sponsorship.

LLMC defines sponsors as individuals who leverage their influence and networks to empower and elevate their protégés. This support enables protégés to take on challenging initiatives, assume leadership roles, and navigate organisational complexities effectively.

Sponsorship equips leaders with additional tools to address inequalities faced by marginalised groups. It empowers these leaders to take meaningful steps toward eliminating barriers to inclusivity and equality in the workplace. Consequently, the circles explored the concept of sponsorship as a vital approach to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, levelling the playing field within diverse workspaces.

Through the program guide, participants engaged in candid conversations, sharing their personal experiences with sponsorship. They also discussed strategies for building confidence and committed to making small changes that would boost their self-esteem and advance their professional goals. These discussions fostered a sense of solidarity among participants, highlighting the federal public service as a collaborative, inclusive, and adaptable work environment that evolves in tune with the cultural landscape.

On October 4, 2023, Gérard Étienne led the masterclass on sponsorship and mentorship with nearly 400 participants. Titled “Why Everyone Needs a Sponsor,” this masterclass offered profound insights and transformational perspectives. Gérard underscored the significance of sponsorship and the need to establish sponsorship programs, particularly in response to the 2023 Clerk’s Call to Action. This call emphasises the imperative to level the playing field and increase representation to align with Canada’s evolving cultural diversity.

Gérard addressed the rationale for sponsorship and dispelled myths surrounding it, shedding light on the systematic barriers presented by representational democracy. He emphasised that the Clerk’s Call to Action marked a unique moment in public service history, focusing on addressing racism as a significant barrier. This call gives leaders the authority to mobilise sponsorship as a means to improve representation and inclusivity.

Sponsorship, as Gérard pointed out, offers numerous opportunities in 2023 for closing the representation gap. It also challenges the myths that have historically impeded the recognition of merit, particularly among visible minorities who have faced obstacles in demonstrating their skill sets. Sponsorship serves as a means to recognize and value talent and ability, promoting equity in the process.

Following Gérard’s presentation, participants engaged in breakout sessions to discuss their key takeaways and made one action commitment to sponsorship. This was followed by a generative Q/A session, where Gérard further dispelled myths on sponsorship programs. The event concluded with vibrant discussions and a sense of synergy, which has been a defining characteristic of the LLMC 2023 program so far.

To learn more about Sponsorship and Career Building, visit the GC wiki for all the resources:

• Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program
• Circle Discussion Guide - Sponsorship and Career Building
• Masterclass - Why Everyone Needs a Mentor and a Sponsor with Masterclass Teacher Gérard Étienne

LLMC is brought to you by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence. For more information, please connect:

Email: diversityandinclusion-diversiteetinclusion@forces.gc.ca

Together, let’s work together towards a more equitable, psychologically safer, diverse and inclusive Federal Public Service. Inclusion means everyone, always.