Which Mentor is Writing That Letter of Recommendation, Obi Wan or Darth Vader?

In another show I talked about how to ask someone for a letter of recommendation now let's flip that coin.  In this show, we will talk about what to do when someone asks for a letter of recommendation.  Yet first, let's step back and really consider the secret code of recommendation letters and what potential they hold, the good and the bad.  The letter of recommendation is a power tool. In the hands of a skilled influencer, a person who wields power by virtue of his or her professional accomplishments, the letter of recommendation either makes or breaks the person's chances of being offered a position. Let's say that you have approached a credible influencer and that person has agreed to write you a letter.  You have asked the person to write you a great letter of recommendation.  They have agreed and you feel great about it yet besides your mentor just being an all-around nice guy, there are two reasons that may not be obvious that some influencers agree to write letters.