Are you Over-Mentored and Under-Sponsored?

Do you have one of these in your professional corner? “...(a) person who behind closed doors will use their political and social capital to make sure you get promoted, get paid well and get access to opportunities that will allow you to ascend in the organization” (quote from Carla Harris). These individuals are known as 'sponsors'. This is very different from a ‘mentor’.

In my role as a career strategist, I help my clients either through corporate training or coaching  find ways to be more successful. Having the support of a sponsor does that. So many of my clients are ‘over mentored and under sponsored’. You see, although I am a big supporter of mentorship (priceless), I am an even BIGGER supporter of SPONSORSHIP. Why? Because I have proven (and the research does too) that this type of professional support can literally change the trajectory of your career upward, fast.

I have had 3 sponsors in my corporate career and even now as a successful entrepreneur. If you don’t have one, then it’s time to secure one (Oh! You can have more than one sponsors).

Here are 3 things you can start doing to secure a sponsor for yourself:

1) Make sure you are consistently performing at a high level (so you can be attractive to a potential sponsor).

2) Start looking within your organization to identify an individual that you believe will advocate for your advancement and provide access to plumb opportunities.

3) Be brave and reach out to potential sponsor (set up a chat or a coffee) to determine if they would be interested in supporting you in this way.