“To become a better you,

remember to be grateful to people who have contributed to

making you who you are today.”

― Israelmore Ayivor, Become a Better You

Mujeres y Allies--If you haven’t read it here enough or seen the business journal articles already---the fastest way to get promoted and advanced at work is to deliver results and have a great sponsor.  This has become so evident in the Fortune 100 that many companies now have formal sponsor programs and/or at least require all senior executives to find a protege to prepare for the next step in their career.  Many are looking to do this specifically for underrepresented groups and women.  If you are in one of those programs--this is fantastic! Stick with it and be prepared to understand how to work best with your sponsor.   Of course sponsors show up without  formal programs or ever saying out loud that they want to sponsor you.  It’s the leader who may go out of their way to complement your work, acknowledge your role in front of a team or to other executives or its someone who volunteers you for a visible role on a special project.  It may be natural for you to stay humble, say thank you and keep working hard to show your appreciation.  In the Latino culture we often call this being “buen educado” a person who is personable, polite or gracious.  While this is a healthy way to manage our ego--there’s more to working with a sponsor.  This week’s #3LVCareerHacks is all about recognizing that “unexpected sponsor” who shows up in your career and fostering a relationship that supports your success.

Uno, dos y tres. Let’s do this con ganas!

If a senior executive takes notice of your skills or your performance on a project and calls that out--make sure you acknowledge their accolades and state your interest in doing more that demonstrates your potential.  You can may something like, “ Thanks so much for noticing my efforts. I wonder if you see my skills and expertise as valuable to other projects where I can further develop my potential.  I’m really interested in growing these skills for the next phase of my career and I’d like to explore that with you.” This sends a signal to your sponsor you have ambition!  It says you are taking charge to advance your career and that you are willing to be guided by their influence and their role. 

Sometimes a sponsor sees a potential skill in you that you may not even recognize in yourself.  In this situation, it can be really scary to take an offer to join a project, a team, or a program that you had no idea you would even seek out.  If you say accept the opportunity, be sure to invite their further coaching.  You can say “I’m really interested in your offer and this is something I had never anticipated for my career.  Would you suggest the best way for me to prepare for this opportunity and be willing to continue to provide me feedback on my progress?”  This communicates a willingness to take an informed risk, accept other opportunities and it communicates that you are asking the sponsor to watch your back. 

One of the most misunderstood elements of a relationship with a sponsor is to assume it’s a one way street.  While a sponsor is in the unique position to help you advance in your career--you still can give back and reciprocate on the support you receive.  You can reverse mentor on areas they may need to understand--social media, generational trends, sustainability.  You may want to volunteer at their favorite charity or volunteer your time to support them with research on their initiatives.  When your unexpected sponsor shows up on your behalf, take a moment to ask how you can be of help.  This communicates appreciation and respect for the time they are investing in you and it positions you for continuous learning.    

That’s it. #3LVCareerHacks on working with the unexpected sponsor.

Got a comment for us? Give us a shout at @SavvyLatinaInfo @LatinaVIDA360 or on our Facebook Group. We’d love to hear from you!  

Live Your VIDA with Intention! 

--Abrazos,

Your LV Familia!

P. S. Remember, here are the other LatinaVIDA resources for you:

• Evernote Notebook of Curated Work-Life Resources, Readings and Tips

• Join our Private Facebook Group

• LatinaVIDA360 Podcast Latina Leaders in Conversation and NEW Career Power Hacks

• Our #Slack Community to Share Experiences with LatinaVIDA Circle Guide

• Past #3LVCareerHacks Newsletters (please share with friends and family)

• Latina Cubicle Confidential: A Personal Blog from our Co-Founders

RESOURCES