In the best sponsorship relationships, sponsees adopt a proactive stance, taking initiative and making clear what they need from their career sponsor. Here are some steps you can take to be more direct with a senior colleague who’s invested in your growth. Start by developing a personal impact statement. This is a short document in which you outline your role, highlight your strengths, quantify your accomplishments, note distinctive character traits, and describe your purpose and proudest moments. Putting this information on paper will help your sponsor better understand your value and advocate for you. Then point to specific ways they can support you. You might even construct your own dream development plan—listing any new skills you want to learn, projects you want to take on, or people you’d like to meet in the organization—and bring it to your sponsor for feedback. Finally, work with your sponsor to expand your comfort zone. Name your big-picture goals, even if they seem unrealistic or risky. Ask your sponsor what it would take to achieve them, breaking them down into smaller, less-intimidating goals that you can start tackling in the short term.
This tip is adapted from “How to Strengthen Your Relationship with a Career Sponsor,” by Rachel Simmons
Spread the love