How can you use a sponsor to improve your managerial skills?

2 Why do you need a sponsor?

A sponsor can help you improve your managerial skills in several ways. First, a sponsor can give you honest and constructive feedback that you may not get from your peers or direct reports. A sponsor can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and suggest ways to address them. Second, a sponsor can expose you to new challenges and opportunities that can stretch your skills and broaden your network. A sponsor can help you gain access to resources, information, and contacts that can accelerate your learning and growth. Third, a sponsor can protect you from potential threats or obstacles that may hinder your performance or reputation. A sponsor can shield you from unfair criticism, politics, or bias, and help you navigate complex situations.

3 How to find a sponsor?

A sponsor is not someone you can just ask for or assign. A sponsor is someone who chooses you based on your track record, potential, and fit. To find a sponsor, you need to demonstrate your value and visibility. You need to show that you are capable, reliable, and ambitious. You need to deliver high-quality work, exceed expectations, and take initiative. You also need to showcase your skills and achievements to the right people. You need to network strategically, communicate effectively, and build trust and rapport. You need to identify the senior leaders who have the influence and interest to support your career goals, and align yourself with their vision and values.

6 How to manage multiple sponsors?

Having more than one sponsor can be beneficial for your career, as it can expand your network, exposure, and options. However, it can also be challenging, as it can create conflicts, confusion, or competition. To manage multiple sponsors, you need to be transparent, respectful, and strategic. You need to inform each sponsor of your other sponsors, and explain how they complement and support your career goals. You also need to respect each sponsor's expectations, preferences, and interests, and avoid any potential clashes or overlaps. You also need to balance your time, energy, and attention among your sponsors, and prioritize the most important and relevant ones. You also need to diversify your skills, achievements, and opportunities among your sponsors, and avoid relying too much on one or a few of them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?