Find a Sponsor Who Speaks for You
Eighteen easy tips to find a sponsor who speaks for you, so someone mentions your name in rooms you are not in.
A sponsor opens doors. Earn trust first.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Radical Candor (Kim Scott), Give and Take (Adam Grant), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why sponsors matter
A mentor gives advice, but a sponsor speaks for you when you are not in the room. They help you get chances.
Seek one.
Do reliable, excellent work
Sponsors back people they trust. Quality work is your first step.
Do your best.
Be visible
Share results and take part in team events. People cannot support what they do not see.
Be seen.
Share your goals clearly
Tell leaders what you want to do. Clear goals help them think of you.
Share goals.
Find leaders who respect you
Look for senior people who notice you and like your work. Trust grows.
Look around.
Ask for a specific chance
Say, I would love to lead the next project. A clear ask helps them act.
Ask for one.
Support them in return
Make their work easier, share credit and be loyal. Sponsors choose people who help them.
Support them.
Thank them for support
Say how their help changed things. Gratitude matters.
Say thanks.
Script: goals
I would love to take on more leadership in the next year. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: ask
Would you consider recommending me for the new project? Say it politely.
Use it.
Script: thanks
Thank you for speaking up for me, I appreciate your trust. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: expecting support without proving yourself
Earn it with results, so deliver first.
Deliver.
Troubleshoot: when no one seems to notice you
Share your results and ask for feedback. Visibility grows.
Share results.
Troubleshoot: when your sponsor leaves
Thank them, keep in touch and find new allies. Careers are long.
Stay kind.
Drill: list three leaders who notice you
Write three leaders and one way to be useful to each.
Write three.
Drill: share one win this week
Share one result with a leader this week.
Share it.
Make your goals known quietly
Tell trusted leaders what you hope to do.
Share one goal.
Take on tasks that leaders value
Do work that helps them reach their goals.
Ask what helps.
Example: the quiet favour
When a project lead needed help, Mia stayed late kindly. She was recommended for a promotion.
Offer help.
Example: the visible project
Raj presented results at a team meeting. A director noticed and later sponsored him.
Share results.
Troubleshoot: when leaders do not notice you
Ask your manager to introduce you to senior people.
Ask for intros.
Ask your manager who the decision makers are
Learning who decides about promotions and projects helps you know whom to build trust with.
Ask kindly.
Make your good work visible in simple ways
Share short updates and thank-yous so leaders see what you do, because people cannot support what they cannot see.
Send an update.
Look for leaders who share your values
A sponsor who respects your values will help you in ways that feel right, so notice how leaders treat others.
Observe leaders.
Prepare a two-sentence story about your goal
When a leader asks what you want, a clear short story makes it easy for them to remember and help.
Write two lines.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I take on hard tasks.”
“I share my goals.”
“Would you support me for this?”
“Here is my work.”
“Thank you for your trust.”
“I will not let you down.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Do great work
Be seen
Share goals
Find leaders
Ask for support
Deliver
Say thanks
Further reading
- Radical Candor (Kim Scott)
- Give and Take (Adam Grant)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Finding Mentors and Allies”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Find Peer Friends at Your LevelNext: Become a Mentor Yourself →
- Why Mentors Matter
- Decide What Help You Want
- Find People You Admire
- Write a Short First Message
- Ask for Twenty Minutes
- Prepare Good Questions
- Follow Their Advice and Report Back
- Give Back to Your Mentor
- Keep the Relationship Warm
- Find Peer Friends at Your Level
- Find a Sponsor Who Speaks for You
- Become a Mentor Yourself
