Sponsorship Tales: Never Waste a Corporate Compliment

Navigating the workplace can be tricky. Many of us approach it with the same mindset we use in our personal lives, but the reality is, the rules are different. One of the biggest lessons we’re not taught in school is how to recognise and capitalise on opportunities that can elevate our careers.

Take sponsorship, for example. It’s often misunderstood, but its impact is undeniable. After an intensive two-day training with the Solaris Leadership Programme, I shared a story titled, “Don’t Waste a Compliment: A Tale of Sponsorship.” In this article, I’ll unpack what sponsorship really means, how to attract it, and how to make the most of it to progress in your career.

What Is Sponsorship?

Sponsorship is about power—specifically, the power someone else uses to advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Unlike mentorship, which focuses on guidance and support, sponsorship is much higher stakes. A sponsor uses their influence to open doors for you, which often comes at a cost to them.

When someone sponsors you, they are vouching for your ability and putting their reputation on the line. This is why sponsorship requires trust. It’s not just about liking you—it’s about being confident that you will deliver. Building that trust comes down to two things: a strong track record of excellent work and intentional relationship-building.

How Do You Attract Sponsorship?

If sponsorship is built on trust and excellence, the first step is straightforward: consistently deliver high-quality work. However, doing good work alone isn’t enough. Many talented people work hard yet struggle to move forward in their careers. So how do you stand out and attract sponsorship?

1. Find Your Corporate Tribe

Your corporate tribe doesn’t have to look like you, think like you, or share your background. These are the people you work with, who value your contributions and trust your intentions. Building productive relationships across teams and levels is critical.

Networking is part of your job—even if it’s not written in your job description. Your ability to connect with people from different walks of life is a life skill that pays dividends in corporate spaces. You won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine. The goal is to find the people who appreciate your value.

2. Pay Attention to Compliments

Compliments in the workplace can be more than just feel-good moments; they’re often clues. When someone speaks highly of you, especially behind your back, it signals that they see your potential. Don’t let these opportunities slip by. Be intentional about following up and building a relationship with those who already think highly of you.

Building a Sponsorship Relationship

Once you’ve identified potential sponsors, it’s time to take action. A compliment is a door cracked open, and it’s up to you to push it further. Here are some ways to build that connection:

1. Share Personal Context

Take the time to let your potential sponsor know more about who you are. Share a bit of your career journey, your interests, and what drives you. Authenticity builds trust and makes you more relatable.

2. Showcase Your Work

Let them know about the projects you’ve worked on and the impact you’ve had. Even if they’re familiar with one aspect of your work, they may not be aware of everything you’re doing now. Giving them this insight strengthens their confidence in you and equips them to advocate for you more effectively.

3. Share Your Aspirations

Think about where you want to go in your career, and make sure the right people know about it. Friends and family may listen, but if you want real opportunities, you need to share your aspirations with those who have influence.

Be specific. What roles, projects, or areas do you want to explore? Without this clarity, people may make assumptions about what you want—or worse, not think of you at all.

4. Tap Into Their Network

A sponsor is likely to be well-connected, so don’t be afraid to share the types of people or opportunities you’d like to be introduced to. They may know someone who could unlock doors for you, but it’s your responsibility to follow up and nurture those connections.

5. Ask How You Can Add Value

Sponsorship relationships need to be mutually beneficial. Take the time to understand your sponsor’s priorities and challenges. Ask questions like:

What are your key priorities over the next few months?

Is there anything I could do to support your goals?

How can I help make your workload lighter?

These conversations give you the chance to demonstrate your willingness to add value, which strengthens the relationship further.

The Power of Sponsorship

As a Black woman, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of sponsorship from people who didn’t look like me. They shared their time, networks, advice, and influence to help me progress. If you feel stuck in your career, sponsorship might be the missing ingredient.

The next time you receive a compliment at work, don’t let it stop at making you feel good. Use it as an opportunity to build a relationship with someone who already sees your value. With intentionality, you can create powerful connections that will propel your career forward.

Remember, sponsorship is about more than just being recognised—it’s about being backed. Don’t waste the opportunity when is comes your way.

If the thought of networking makes fills you with dread, my book Networking Made Easy: 5 Steps to Powerful Professional Relationships offers practical, actionable steps to help you build authentic connections with confidence. Available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/ciYMXzQ