HBR IdeaCast The Surprising Benefits of Sponsoring Others at Work
Jun 18, 2019
Sylvia Ann Hewlett, an economist and founder of the Center for Talent Innovation, discusses the transformative power of sponsorship in the workplace. She emphasizes the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, arguing that supporting diverse protégés leads to mutual career growth. Hewlett shares real-world examples and statistics that illustrate how effective sponsorship boosts promotion rates. Insightful strategies for building meaningful sponsor-mentee relationships are explored, showcasing the benefits of investing in others and fostering inclusive talent development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
- Mentorship is a one-way street, a gift of guidance from a senior professional.
- Sponsorship is a two-way street, a reciprocal investment where both parties gain.
Diversity in Sponsorship
- Seek protégés who offer diverse skills and perspectives, not just those similar to you.
- Consider the "one plus two" rule: sponsor one person like yourself and two who are different.
Key Traits for Sponsorship
- Sponsors look for three key traits in protégés: strong performance, trustworthiness, and diverse skills.
- Trustworthiness ensures commitment to the mission and company, making sponsorship worthwhile.
