Find a sponsor

- If you're wondering how your colleague managed … to get on the fast track to career advancement, … it's likely they have a sponsor. … Sponsors are usually a few levels above you … and are the first to hear about interesting opportunities … in the organization or industry. … If they're willing to advocate on your behalf, … they can exert influence over future promotions, … sing your praises at bonus time, … or recommend you for stretch assignments. … Sponsors help you gain visibility with key decision makers … when you're not in the room and pave the way … for their proteges to get recognized by higher-ups. … And research shows that a sponsor … can really catapult your career in an organization. … Why, because humans look for confirmation … when making major decisions, and referrals go a long way … in paving that path. … And since many decisions about your career … will be made while you're not present, … it will be immensely helpful to your career … to have an advocate at the decision table …