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2022 | Book

Multi-decade Perspective Read chapter Read first chapter

A Guide to Career Resilience

For Women and Under-Represented Groups

Authors: Dr. Eve Sprunt, Mag. Maria Angela Capello

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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About this book

Mentors and sponsors are essential to career success, but these close relationships are not always free from trouble. This book shares advice and practical examples on how to survive and thrive throughout your career by differentiating between good and bad guidance you receive from mentors and sponsors. Real-life guidance is provided on how to manage troubled mentoring and sponsoring relationships at work.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter

Introduction

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Multi-decade Perspective
Abstract
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Over a multi-decade career, our interests and aspirations evolve and our personal preferences and constraints change. We can begin our careers as strong players, but if we are not resilient and able to adapt to changing circumstances, we are unlikely to be able to achieve long term success.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 2. Business Cycles
Abstract
Careers typically span multiple decades. During that time, the overall economy will gyrate through several business cycles. The time from one economic peak to the next, or one recessive trough to the next, constitutes a business cycle.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 3. Human Nature
Abstract
While business cycles train us to expect and prepare for change, human nature is resistant to change. Literature from multiple cultures illustrates enduring human characteristics that we should keep in mind while dealing with other people in our lives.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello

Career Resources

Frontmatter
Chapter 4. Mentors
Abstract
Current wisdom is that everyone needs at least one mentor to achieve success in life and work. Employers often assign one or more mentors to inexperienced, recently hired, or junior employees.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 5. Sponsors
Abstract
People often mention mentors and sponsors in the same breath, but there are critical differences. A Sponsor is a person with the power or influence to intervene on your behalf to improve your chances of being selected for a highly competitive and desirable position, while a Mentor is a source of advice. Sponsors generally have more power, which means when the relationship goes sour, they can be more destructive.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 6. Role Models
Abstract
Role models can be very valuable. They don’t even need to know you to make a difference. When you see someone like yourself successfully forge a new type of career or make a major career shift, they can encourage you to emulate them.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello

Career Challenges

Frontmatter
Chapter 7. Bullying
Abstract
When we talked to people about the problems they encountered with mentoring and sponsoring, many of them described experiences which we recognized as bullying. Bullying is deliberate and repeated misuse of real or perceived power. Sponsors are in a position of influence and power, and mentors may learn information from their confidential discussions that they choose to use to the detriment of their mentee. Both sponsors and mentors can morph into bullies.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 8. Sexual Predators in the Workplace
Abstract
Close one-on-one interactions with mentors and sponsors are ripe with opportunities for abuse. Often, these private conversations occur in locations without witnesses. The mentor or sponsor, who is in a position of power, may seize the opportunity and morph into a sexual predator.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 9. Queen Bees
Abstract
Some female leaders perceive all other talented women as competition. Distance yourself from these insecure leaders. Working with and for people who feel secure in their own abilities is much easier and more enjoyable. Find confident, competent people whose skills complement yours.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 10. Unconscious Bias
Abstract
We can both suffer and benefit from unconscious bias. Bias is prejudice in favor of or against a person or group and is often considered to be unfair. People who benefit from unconscious bias may be unaware of the advantages they have and may attribute their success purely to their own skills.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 11. Cross-Cultural Issues
Abstract
Our cultural heritage, upbringing, and youthful experiences, coupled with how others perceive or react to our style, shape who we are and how we see the world. We use our prior experiences to interpret our present reality. Differences between our cultures impact our ability to communicate effectively. Mentors do not have to be and often are not from the same culture or social background as their mentees, but it is important that they are aware and sensitive to how cultural differences impact the mentoring process.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello

Keys to Success

Frontmatter
Chapter 12. Networking
Abstract
Your network is your safety net. No matter how well you are doing within your organization, be sure to build a network that extends far beyond its borders. Consider building and maintaining your network to be an essential part of your career plan.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 13. Resilience
Abstract
Many aspects of work and life can cause intense emotional stress. Emotional stress can lead to physical stress and real illness. To survive and thrive we need to be resilient and surmount the mental and/or physical problems we encounter. We must learn from our misfortunes and bounce back stronger and more able to take on the challenges that life throws our way.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 14. You Have More Alternatives Than You Think
Abstract
Years ago, an executive who Eve knew slightly lost his job and committed suicide. Eve had the impression he was very successful and was shocked that he killed himself. Apparently, his attempts to get an equivalent position to one he lost were unsuccessful and he couldn’t imagine an alternative path to success.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 15. No Role Model, No Problem
Abstract
Not having role models can be extremely liberating, because if you seize an opportunity, it is up to someone else to take the risk to stop you and many people are risk averse.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Chapter 16. Rules to Live By
Abstract
Here are some of the rules that Maria Angela and Eve learned working in a male-dominated industry in which they were pioneers.
Eve Sprunt, Maria Angela Capello
Metadata
Title
A Guide to Career Resilience
Authors
Dr. Eve Sprunt
Mag. Maria Angela Capello
Copyright Year
2022
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-05588-1
Print ISBN
978-3-031-05587-4
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05588-1