A GUIDE TO PERSONAL GROWTH

IDENTIFYING AND LEVERAGING YOUR TRUE PROMOTERS: A GUIDE TO PERSONAL GROWTH

As a personal effectiveness coach specializing in performance, strategy, mindset, and execution, I’ve observed a profound truth: success is rarely a solo journey. Along the way, you will encounter individuals who either propel you forward or quietly step aside. Knowing how to identify, connect with, and value your true promoters can be the catalyst that transforms potential into achievement.

Success thrives on the right partnerships. As you navigate your personal and professional journey, take time to identify your true promoters. These individuals may not always come with fanfare or glamour, but their unwavering belief in you can make all the difference.

Who Are Your Promoters?

Promoters are the people who believe in you, support your aspirations, and sponsor your growth. They may not always be the most obvious individuals. In fact, they often operate behind the scenes, driven not by recognition but by genuine care and belief in your potential.

Take Mary, for example. As a young finance professional, she struggled to balance ambition with confidence. Her promoter wasn’t her direct manager or a senior executive but a colleague who saw her potential and advocated for her inclusion in high-stakes projects. This quiet but consistent support helped Mary develop her skills, gain visibility, and ultimately secure a leadership position.

Promoters are distinct from those who merely have the power to help but don’t. Some people, for various reasons, choose to stay away from enabling others’ success—be it competition, indifference, or self-focus. Recognizing this dynamic allows you to focus your energy on nurturing relationships with those who genuinely care about your growth.

How Promoters Relate to Other Key Relationships

Success is supported by a variety of relationships, each playing a unique role in your journey. Here’s how they relate to promoters:

1. Mentors: Mentors provide guidance, share knowledge, and help you see the bigger picture. While promoters advocate for you and take actionable steps to open doors, mentors often focus on personal and professional development through advice and shared experience. A mentor may evolve into a promoter if they actively champion your career.
2. Coaches: Coaches focus on enhancing your performance and helping you achieve specific goals. They provide structure, accountability, and feedback. Promoters, on the other hand, may or may not engage in regular coaching but are invested in your success and often act as connectors or sponsors.
3. Cheerleaders: Cheerleaders provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivation. They believe in you unconditionally. Promoters, while supportive, also take tangible actions to advance your career or goals, such as recommending you for a role or introducing you to their network.
4. Mastermind Groups: These are peer-driven groups that offer collaborative problem-solving, brainstorming, and accountability. While these groups provide a collective form of support, promoters are often singular individuals who take a vested interest in your unique journey.
5. Sponsors: Sponsors are a subset of promoters who leverage their influence to advocate for your growth. They may champion you for promotions, funding, or new opportunities, often at risk of their own reputation. While all sponsors are promoters, not all promoters may take on this formal role.

Understanding these relationships would help you nurture each one appropriately, ensuring you have a robust network that supports your personal and professional growth.

The Pitfalls of Celebrity Mentorship

In the age of social media and instant access, it’s tempting to believe in the allure of celebrity mentorship. However, the reality is that such relationships often lack depth and consistency. Celebrities or high-profile individuals are inundated with demands on their time and attention, leaving little room for meaningful connection.

Consider John, a marketing manager who reached out to be a prominent industry leader for mentorship. While the leader provided occasional advice, the relationship lacked the ongoing support and accountability that John needed. In contrast, a local entrepreneur—less glamorous but deeply invested in John’s success—offered regular guidance, actionable feedback, and access to valuable networks. This grounded mentorship proved far more impactful.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” The essence of impactful mentorship lies in proximity, authenticity, and genuine care.

Finding the Right Soul

The right promoter is someone who resonates with your vision and is willing to invest in your journey. These individuals celebrate your wins, mourn your losses, and remain steadfast regardless of external recognition.

For instance, consider a startup founder who struggled to secure funding. Her true promoter turned out to be a former professor who connected her with potential investors, offered constructive criticism on her pitch, and provided emotional support through countless rejections. This professor didn’t seek credit or glory but derived satisfaction from seeing her succeed.

How to Identify and Pair with Promoters

1. Observe Actions, Not Titles: Look beyond positions and reputations. A junior team member who consistently supports your ideas may be a better promoter than a senior executive who’s indifferent.
2. Seek Alignment in Values: Promoters often share your values and belief in your mission. Their support feels natural and genuine, not transactional.
3. Cultivate Mutual Respect: Building a relationship with a promoter requires respect and reciprocity. Appreciate their efforts and look for ways to offer value in return.
4. Be Authentic: Promoters are drawn to authenticity. Share your struggles, aspirations, and gratitude openly.

Practical Steps to Engage Promoters

• Leverage Professional Networks: Join forums, associations, or communities where like-minded individuals gather. Be an active member of @FinanceProfessionalsKE #FPKE-  Find a way of standing out.
• Ask for Feedback: Approach people you admire for feedback on specific areas. Genuine advice often evolves into ongoing support.
• Express Gratitude: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your promoters. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.

The Power of Silent Celebration

True promoters often celebrate your success quietly. They derive joy from your growth rather than seeking external validation. Understanding this dynamic helps you value their support without expecting overt gestures.

For instance, a mentor might not attend your award ceremony but will be the first to call and congratulate you. Or a colleague who recommended you for a promotion might never mention their role but will quietly take pride in your achievement.

Success thrives on the right partnerships. As you navigate your personal and professional journey, take time to identify your true promoters. These individuals may not always come with fanfare or glamour, but their unwavering belief in you can make all the difference. By pairing with the right souls, you build a network of genuine supporters who stand by you through challenges and triumphs alike. Intentionally “Organize your team”!

Remember, “the path to greatness isn’t about the spotlight; it’s about the people who walk beside you in both light and shadow”

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”-Henry Ford!

CPA Hillary Oonge:

Personal Effectiveness and Career Coach &

Community Manager FPKE (FinanceProfessionalsKe)&

COO and Partner -SKM Africa LLP &

Board Member at Kenya Communities Development Foundation (KCDF)

Peak Performance|Strategy|Mindset|Execution