Part 1: The Career Game – Changer Nobody Talks About

Picture this: Priya sits in the office cafeteria of her IT services company in Bangalore, stirring her cutting chai. She overhears two senior managers discussing a new digital transformation project for their biggest client. Despite her excellent technical skills and regular appreciation from her mentor, she watches as Rohit from another team gets chosen to lead the project. "But how?" she wonders. "I have better technical skills, and my mentor always praises my work!"

?Welcome to the reality of the Indian corporate world ( actually this happens globally but for this post we will focus on Indian cultural aspects ) , where technical excellence and mentorship alone aren't enough. You need something more powerful: A Sponsor.

Understanding the Corporate Dynamic In our workplace culture, we often hear about the importance of "building relationships" and "networking." But what kind of relationships and who to network with – in my opinion each of us need to build two , and both support in different manner . Here’s how: -

Mentors (Margdarshak): They're like your favourite professor from college. They guide you, share wisdom, and help you improve. They might say, "Beta, you should focus on improving your presentation skills."

Sponsors (Sanrakshak): They're like that influential family elder who actively recommends you for opportunities. In the office, they're saying, "Main guarantee leta hoon (I guarantee) Priya will deliver excellent results on this project."

Why This Matters in the Indian Context

?Consider these realities of our corporate culture:

1. The Power of Hierarchy: In Indian organizations, designation matters significantly. A sponsor at the right level can help you navigate this hierarchy effectively.

2. The "Known Devil" Principle: Indian managers often prefer team members who come recommended by trusted colleagues. A sponsor provides that crucial recommendation.

3. The "Chai-Coffee" Network: Many important decisions happen during informal chai breaks and corridor conversations. Your sponsor is your voice in these crucial moments.

A Real Story from an Indian MNC

Take Rajesh's story from a leading IT company in Pune. Despite being a top performer with certifications from top institutions, he remained at the same level for four years. Everything changed when Aniruddh, a Senior Director, noticed his innovative solution during a hackathon. ?Aniruddh didn't just give advice.

He:

- Recommended Rajesh for client-facing roles

- Mentioned his name in leadership meetings

- Pushed for his inclusion in the high-potential talent program

Within 18 months, Rajesh moved from being a technical lead to a delivery manager. The difference? His mentor taught him the 'what'. His sponsor showed others the 'why'.

If you feel having a sponsor at work makes sense Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll explore how to find and secure a sponsor in the Indian corporate setting...