I put this as the only "Must Do" so that it gets the attention it deserves. Developing a sponsor depends more on your ability to execute than anything else. If a sponsor is going to represent your interests, the sponsor needs to feel 100% confident that you will represent him/her well. Too many people blame the fact that they don`t have a sponsor on other ci more...

I put this as the only "Must Do" so that it gets the attention it deserves. Developing a sponsor depends more on your ability to execute than anything else. If a sponsor is going to represent your interests, the sponsor needs to feel 100% confident that you will represent him/her well. Too many people blame the fact that they don`t have a sponsor on other circumstances, but the real issue is that they are not the type of person that someone wants to sponsor.

You develop this trust by executing to the highest degree. This means that you produce flawless work product. You must manage yourself in an extraordinarily professional and mature manner. ...less

Remember, a sponsor is not necessarily a mentor. They very well might provide regular feedback and guidance but that is not their primary benefit to you. A sponsor needs to be a decision maker or in a position to influence decision makers in order to make a real difference.

The sponsor could be a senior manager or a mid-senior manager and is respected more...

Remember, a sponsor is not necessarily a mentor. They very well might provide regular feedback and guidance but that is not their primary benefit to you. A sponsor needs to be a decision maker or in a position to influence decision makers in order to make a real difference.

The sponsor could be a senior manager or a mid-senior manager and is respected by other senior managers. Your sponsor may also be an individual in an important administrative role. An example of this type of person would be an assignments coordinator or manager (a person that dictates who gets which assignments). ...less

It is extremely important that you and your sponsor share the same core values. This does not mean that you need to share the same religious beliefs or ideas of family. It relates to how you believe people should approach their professional careers. Be aligned in the types of things you believe are acceptable in a work environment.

For instance, if yo more...

It is extremely important that you and your sponsor share the same core values. This does not mean that you need to share the same religious beliefs or ideas of family. It relates to how you believe people should approach their professional careers. Be aligned in the types of things you believe are acceptable in a work environment.

For instance, if your sponsor thinks that a person in your position should work 80-hour weeks and your don`t, not a good match. If your sponsor believes that it is acceptable to emphasize the negative characteristics of others in order to get ahead and you don`t, not a good match.

Alignment of the value system with your sponsor is imperative for the relationship to be effective.

If your values are not aligned, you will run into a lot of trouble down the road. ...less

Sometimes the sponsor comes to you. Other time they do not. Most of the time you will have to initiate the relationship. This means inviting them to lunch or breakfast. It also means following up with them on a regular basis. As I mentioned earlier, these types of relationships are not developed in a single 30-minute conversation over coffee. Developing a more...

Sometimes the sponsor comes to you. Other time they do not. Most of the time you will have to initiate the relationship. This means inviting them to lunch or breakfast. It also means following up with them on a regular basis. As I mentioned earlier, these types of relationships are not developed in a single 30-minute conversation over coffee. Developing a process is typically a long process that will require you to provide regular updates to your sponsor. ...less

Sponsors don`t often start as sponsors. There is a natural development of the relationship. It typically looks something like this:

1) manager - someone you work for

2) coach - a person you rely on for regular "tactical" advice in your professional career

3) mentor - a person that provides more holistic advice to you regarding your caree more...

Sponsors don`t often start as sponsors. There is a natural development of the relationship. It typically looks something like this:

1) manager - someone you work for

2) coach - a person you rely on for regular "tactical" advice in your professional career

3) mentor - a person that provides more holistic advice to you regarding your career development

4) sponsor - a person that actively champions your professional advancement to others

If you can`t migrate someone to "sponsor", it is not a bad thing. There is a tremendous amount of value to having someone as a coach or mentor. You can`t force the issue. The final transition from mentor to sponsor is a decision that the individual sponsor makes on his/her own. ...less

Even though your values may be aligned, it does not mean that your process is aligned. Your potential sponsor may not have the same sense of urgency that you have. You must respect the time it takes for the person to become your sponsor. Just because they don`t champion your cause at the first possibility, does not mean that they won`t do so eventually. more...

Even though your values may be aligned, it does not mean that your process is aligned. Your potential sponsor may not have the same sense of urgency that you have. You must respect the time it takes for the person to become your sponsor. Just because they don`t champion your cause at the first possibility, does not mean that they won`t do so eventually.

Additionally, you sponsor may take a different approach to the process of representing your interests than you would. Trust that they have special insight into the broader issues and are approaching the problem from what they see as the best path.

It is ok for you to give suggestions on how you feel they might be helpful, but don`t push the issue. Being a "sponsor" is a voluntary position. Remember, some sponsorship is better than no sponsorship. ...less

You can not forcibly develop a relationship with a sponsor. Although you can initiate the interaction and you can do certain things to nurture the relationship, you cannot force it. If the person does not step up to the plate don`t be discouraged. These types of relationships take time to develop. However, don`t write the person off completely. Maintain a re more...

You can not forcibly develop a relationship with a sponsor. Although you can initiate the interaction and you can do certain things to nurture the relationship, you cannot force it. If the person does not step up to the plate don`t be discouraged. These types of relationships take time to develop. However, don`t write the person off completely. Maintain a relationship. You never know when their perspective might change. ...less