Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor
The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career
By: Sylvia Ann Hewlett
About This Book
Who’s pulling for you? Who’s got your back? Who’s putting your hat in the ring? Odds are this person is not a mentor but a sponsor. Mentors can build your self-esteem and provide a sounding board—but they’re not your ticket to the top. If you’re interested in fast-tracking your career, what you need is a sponsor—a senior-level champion who believes in your potential and is willing to advocate for you as you pursue that next raise or promotion. In this powerful yet practical book, economist and thought leader Sylvia Ann Hewlett—author of ten critically acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking Off-Ramps and On-Ramps—shows why sponsors are your proven link to success. Mixing solid data with vivid real-life narratives, Hewlett reveals the “two-way street” that makes sponsorship such a strong and mutually beneficial alliance. The seven-step map at the heart of this book allows you to chart your course toward your greatest goals. Whether you’re looking to lead a company or drive a community campaign, Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor will help you forge the relationships that truly have the power to deliver you to your destination.
AI Overview
Overview of "Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor" by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Key Themes:
- Sponsorship vs. Mentorship: The book emphasizes the distinction between mentors and sponsors. Mentors provide guidance and support, but they are not typically the key to career advancement. Sponsors, on the other hand, are senior-level champions who believe in your potential and actively advocate for your career progression.
- Mutual Benefit: Hewlett highlights that sponsorship is a two-way street, where both the sponsor and the protégé benefit. The sponsor gains by having a strong protégé who can help build their bench strength and complement their expertise, while the protégé advances their career through the sponsor's advocacy.
- Career Advancement: The book focuses on how to fast-track your career by securing a sponsor. It provides practical steps and strategies for building a sponsorship network, which is crucial for achieving career goals.
Plot Summary: The book begins by explaining why mentors are not enough for career advancement and introduces the concept of sponsorship as a more effective way to achieve professional success. Sylvia Ann Hewlett, an economist and thought leader, uses solid data and vivid real-life narratives to illustrate the importance of sponsorship. She outlines a seven-step map that readers can use to chart their course toward their career goals.
Critical Reception: The book has received mixed reviews, with some critics appreciating its practical approach to career advancement and others finding it challenging to align with traditional notions of hard work and productivity.
Positive Reception: Many readers have found the book insightful and practical. For example, one reviewer noted that the book helped them understand that sponsorship can be a result of hard work and results, but also acknowledged that it can happen by accident if executives see potential in you and decide to invest in your career.
Negative Reception: Some critics have expressed skepticism about the emphasis on being a "loyal protégé" over being productive. One reviewer felt that the book goes against fundamental beliefs about being a good employee and that the advice provided is not always applicable in real-world scenarios.
Overall, "Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor" offers a unique perspective on career advancement by highlighting the importance of sponsorship and providing practical strategies for securing a sponsor. While it has received mixed reviews, it remains a valuable resource for those looking to fast-track their careers.