My first sponsor was much as you describe yours.
It worked and continues to work for her, so that is what she passed on to me, and rightly so.But she and I were of very different personalities and temperments. She liked and worked best with very simple clear instructions. I work best when I am given resources and work things out for myself.
My current sponsor and I have similar temperments adn there is less frustration and misunderstanding. I feel like I have a recovery partner, rather than parent.