We often think of career success as an individual journey—climbing the corporate ladder, proving our worth, and securing that next big opportunity. But what if the best way to advance wasn’t just focusing on ourselves but on supporting those around us as well? Research shows that when we help others grow, we create a ripple effect that benefits not just our colleagues but ourselves, too.
Today we go over some proven strategies to support your colleagues’ career goals—regardless of their background, level, or experience.
The Benefits of Mutual Career Support
Supporting each other’s careers isn’t just about being nice; it’s a strategy backed by research. Here’s why it works:
- It enhances career growth for both parties. A recent study found that professionals who actively help their colleagues progress in their careers tend to be more successful themselves. Those who mentor or advocate for others gain valuable leadership skills and are more likely to be recognized as high performers.
- It creates stronger networks. A report from the Center for Talent Innovation found that employees who foster relationships through mutual support are 60% more likely to receive career-advancing opportunities.
- It leads to higher job satisfaction. Research also shows that individuals who feel supported by their peers report greater job fulfillment and lower stress levels.
Practical Ways to Support Your Colleagues’ Careers
Now that we understand why career support is valuable, let’s dive into what you can do—starting today—to uplift those around you.
Be a Career Ally
Career allies go beyond basic workplace friendliness. They intentionally look for ways to help their colleagues succeed. Here’s how you can be one:
- Offer to introduce your colleagues to someone in your network who can help them grow.
- If they express interest in a particular area, share relevant articles, training programs, or job postings.
- Publicly recognize their achievements—whether in meetings, internal platforms, or LinkedIn posts.
When we practice mutual support we all win
Amplify Voices in Meetings
Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up, but you can help ensure their ideas get heard. If you notice someone struggling to break into the conversation, you can say:
- “I think [Name] had a great point earlier that we should revisit.”
- “I’d love to hear more about [Name]’s perspective on this.”
- If someone’s idea gets overlooked and later repeated by someone else, redirect the credit: “That’s a great suggestion, and I remember [Name] mentioning something similar earlier.”
Share Learning Opportunities
Professional growth often happens outside of daily job responsibilities. Be proactive in sharing opportunities that could benefit others, such as:
- Free online courses or certifications.
- Conferences or networking events.
- Internal leadership programs or stretch assignments.
If you’re attending an event or training, consider inviting a colleague to join you. Learning together strengthens connections. In addition, if you ever receive an invitation to an event, conference, or training that you can’t attend, make sure to pass it on to someone else in your network.
Establish Mutual Mentoring Relationships
At the Red Shoe Movement we believe that Mentoring is always a two-way street. That’s why one of the two pillars of our successful methodology is Mutual Mentoring. By understanding that everyone has something to teach and something to learn at all times, you can easily establish Mutual Mentoring relationships with any of your colleagues, thus being each other’s allies and supporting each other’s career goals.
Advocate for Colleagues When They’re Not in the Room
One of the most powerful things you can do for someone’s career is to advocate for them when they’re not present. This is actually what good sponsors and champions do. This can take many forms:
- Recommending them for high-visibility projects.
- Highlighting their contributions to decision-makers.
- Encouraging leadership to consider them for promotions.
By speaking up for others, you not only help them advance but also build a reputation as someone who uplifts their peers—a quality that leaders notice. Just make sure that before you speak up on someone’s behalf, you have the right language and specific achievements so you can refer to them.
Create a Culture of Information Sharing
Have you ever been frustrated by how some people hoard information? Knowledge-sharing is one of the simplest ways to empower others. If you’ve found an efficient way to do something, share it. If you have insights about career advancement within your company, pass them along. When you are seen as someone who shares knowledge, information and wisdom, you’ll develop a reputation as the go to person, as a trusted source. There’s a small step from there to attracting great opportunities.
Be Genuinely Happy for Others’ Success
It sounds simple, but genuinely celebrating your colleagues’ wins creates a culture where success is shared. When someone gets promoted, lands a big client, or wins an award, offer sincere congratulations. Avoid the scarcity mindset—the idea that someone else’s success takes away from your own as it will only make you seem petty, jealous and self-centered.
Support Your Colleagues on Social Media
In today’s digital age, professional networking and mutual support takes place online just as much as in person. You can support your colleagues by engaging with their content on LinkedIn or other platforms:
- Like, comment on, or repost their updates to increase visibility.
- Endorse their skills or write a recommendation if you’ve worked closely with them.
- Share their achievements or contributions with your own network.
Small actions like these can make a big difference in helping someone build their professional brand and expand their opportunities.
Supporting each other’s careers isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a proven way to foster success for yourself and those around you. By being intentional about helping your colleagues grow, you expand your own opportunities, build a strong professional network, and contribute to a more fulfilling work environment.
So, the next time you’re in a position to help someone advance their career, take the opportunity. In doing so, you’ll create a workplace where everyone thrives—and that’s a winning strategy for all.
