Sponsorship
Speak Up! Get what you deserve! “To power your career to corporate heights, you need a sponsor,” explains Sylvia Ann Hewlett in the Harvard Business Review Article, “The Right Way to Find a Career Sponsor.” Last month, in our article, “Mentoring Matters,” we offered the benefits and impact received from mentors in the workplace. After establishing a mentor relationship, the next step is to build a sponsor relationship with a powerful partner within the organization. The difference is distinct. Simply stated, Catalyst research describes mentors as career developers while sponsors are considered to be career accelerators or the workplace champion.
Best Qualities in Sponsors
A sponsor relationship is one of the most important assets for your career, and the process must be taken seriously. Two main ‘rules,’ so to speak, is that sponsorship is earned, not given. In addition, one must not look for a friend, but for an ally that will recognize abilities and accomplishments and act as the advocate for promotions to the decision-makers. Hewlett clarifies the characteristics of a productive sponsor relationship in the Harvard Business Review. In larger organizations, sponsors should be 2 levels above you with a direct line of sight to your role. While, in smaller organizations, the founder, president or those in his/her circle are the proper candidates. To get the most out of a sponsor relationship aim for the following:
Partner with more than one powerful leader and be sure he/she/they have the power to effect change and turbocharge your career.
Build relationships with sponsors who will develop you as a leader, advocate for your promotion and propel your career forward.
Seek those with a broad perspective to provide critical feedback.
Look for competitive and hard-driving leaders who value quarterly bottom-line results.
How to Establish the Sponsorship
“Sponsorship is not who you know, but who knows you,” writes Allyson Zimmerman in “The Guardian.” Upper management and executives become familiar with you from your performance on large projects, recommendations, and networking opportunities. Zimmerman offers the following important tips to keep in mind as you work through your career and towards earning a sponsorship.
Earn a respectable reputation: be reliable, competent, productive, flexible, friendly.
Take risks and accept stretch assignments to advance your career.
Practice the continuous development of your skills and appropriately manage your career.
Stay visible through network events, not-for-profit organizations, industry events and challenging projects involving senior management.
Capitalize on A Sponsorship
Respect that your performance, reputation, and actions reflect you and your sponsor.
Be on the ready to discuss your current projects and accomplishments.
Don’t overshare your vulnerabilities or weaknesses with your sponsor. Always present your competent, reliable and results-producing qualities.
Solicit constructive feedback and ask about opportunities for improvement.
Keep informed about advancement opportunities and the tracks to advance.
Explore options to help your sponsor, too.
Speak up to ensure you achieve your professional desires.
Navigating through the process to develop your career can be challenging. Challenges are opportunities for growth and I would be happy to help you take the right steps to build your career. An exploratory conversation to discuss your goals and challenges will help identify an ideal outcome for you. Contact me to take your next step.