Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor: The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career Link to heading

Summary Link to heading

“Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor: The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett emphasizes the importance of securing a sponsor to accelerate one’s professional journey. Unlike mentors who offer guidance and advice, sponsors are influential leaders who actively advocate for their protégés, leveraging their position and power to create career opportunities. Hewlett argues that having a sponsor is crucial for career progression, especially for women and minorities who might face additional barriers in the workplace. The book combines research findings with real-life examples to illustrate how sponsorship can effectively drive career success.

Review Link to heading

Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s work is impactful, breaking away from traditional views of mentorship by underscoring the more pragmatic and actionable benefits that sponsorship offers. The book successfully blends empirical research with storytelling, making the content engaging and relatable. One of the strengths of the book is its focus on diversity and inclusion, addressing how sponsorship can bridge gaps for underrepresented groups. However, some critiques point out that the execution of finding a sponsor can be context-specific and challenging to generalize from case studies alone.

Key Takeaways Link to heading

• Defining Sponsorship: Sponsors differ from mentors in that they use their influence to actively advocate for and facilitate their protégés’ career advancement.
• Strategic Relationship Building: Building a relationship with potential sponsors requires strategic effort and the demonstration of unique value.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Sponsorship is an essential mechanism for leveling the playing field, providing underrepresented groups with equitable access to opportunities.
• Career Advancement: A sponsor can provide visibility, endorsement, and direct pathways to career opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
• Action-Oriented Steps: The book provides actionable advice on how to identify, secure, and maintain a sponsorship relationship.

Recommendation Link to heading

This book is particularly beneficial for professionals seeking to advance their careers, including those in mid-career looking to break through to higher management levels. It’s also highly recommended for individuals from underrepresented groups who are navigating complex workplace dynamics. Additionally, corporate leaders and HR professionals can gain insights into how fostering sponsorships within their organizations can contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic workplace.