Collective Wisdom

How do I Sponsor?

The key difference between a Mentor and a Sponsor is that, as a Sponsor, you must advocate on the behalf of your Sponsoree to open up new opportunities – promotions, high-profile assignments, etc.

You must create a SPARK in her career to propel her forward into next level leadership.

Shine a light on her and advocate on her behalf

Provide access to your network

Affirm her potential as a leader

Respect her authentic style of leadership

Know that you benefit – you get as much as you give

How do I Become Sponsor-Ready?

If you are looking for a Sponsor to help your career, follow this plan to prepare yourself to be Sponsored. Remember, you are asking someone to stake their reputation on your performance, so consistency is key!

Here is how you SHINE to become Sponsor-Ready.

Show up as a leader a sponsor would stake his/her reputation on

Help your sponsor articulate your value – know your unique gifts and strengths

Internalize feedback and take action

Nurture new relationships – never hang your hat on just one sponsor

Enlighten your sponsor with new intelligence he/she may not have access to

From the Blog

Sponsors create the S.P.A.R.K. Together, we’ll start a fire.

When I raised my children, I had a parenting philosophy that you prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child. But in the business world, this philosophy has proven time and again to fall short for women. If we are ever going to change the paradigm of too few women in leadership roles, then we need to prepare more paths. Women need sponsors. Sponsors do more than mentors. Sponsors use their senior positions, experience, and connections to advocate on behalf of their sponsorees. They push women forward and pull them up.

What is the role of a Sponsor? To create the S.P.A.R.K. that ignites the career trajectory of another.

S is for Shine a Light on Her on her Behalf

“S” is for: “Shine a light on her and advocate on her behalf”

Last month at Leadership Atlanta Women’s Forum, I listened to a panel of top executives share insights on how female leaders can “power up” their own game. I was thrilled that Lynn Zappone, former CHRO of Popeye’s, made the point that women should help more women accelerate their careers by turning a spotlight on their successes and capabilities:

“Shining a light on her doesn’t diminish your own glow. It actually makes you shine brighter.”

“P” is for: “Provide access to your powerful network”

The acronym S.P.A.R.K., is a simple guideline of actions sponsors can take to accelerate the career of their sponsorees.

Last week, we discussed the “S” in S.P.A.R.K., which stands for: Shine a light on your sponsoree and advocate on her behalf. If you missed that blog, you can check it out here. This week, our focus is on the letter “P”, which stands for:

Provide access to your powerful network.

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