Steps To Find An Executive Sponsor

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

"It's not about who you know, the important thing is who knows you." - JK

Surely you ever heard your parents say: "tell me who you are with and I will tell you who you are." This saying is very popular and they are wise words when it comes to personal and professional life.

In her book, (Forget a Mentor) Find a Sponsor: The New Way to Fast Track Your Career, economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett says that to advance your career you need an executive sponsor.

Maybe you already have a trusted professional advisor or mentor. This is different. What is the difference? A professional mentor is important as he gives you advice and suggestions, but a sponsor is a powerful executive who opens doors. This connection is capable of creating new opportunities that will help you achieve your professional goals.

Why should you look for a sponsor?

It is not enough to be an excellent employee. Research by the Center for Talent Innovation in New York found that women need a sponsor to advance professionally.

How do you get a sponsor?

• Exceed the expectations of someone in your position.
• Ask to participate in special projects that expose you to new people or have the ability to increase your skills.
• It seeks to create relationships with executives who are distinguished by supporting and creating talent.
• Prove you are the type of employee who wants to win.
• Request constructive criticism.

You will be surprised how many of your colleagues will want to help you. If you win, they win too, but for this relationship to work you must be someone you trust. Keep your word. If you say you are going to do it, do it or warn in advance if there is any conflict.

As Pele said: “success does not come by chance. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice and above all love for what you do.”

Luck!

Roxanne Flores is Senior Vice President of the Human Resources department at Time Inc.

@FloresRoxie