Finding a great manager and a helpful mentor are important elements of building a rewarding, successful career. But the real game-changer? A sponsor.
A lot of professionals don’t realize there’s a huge difference:
What a Manager Does
Your manager’s job is important, but it’s mostly focused on the world you already operate in:
- Assigns work
- Evaluating your performance
- Providing direction
- Giving feedback
Managers help you succeed in your current role.
What a Sponsor Does
A sponsor plays an entirely different role.
They use their influence to pull you upward into bigger arenas:
- Expanding your opportunities
- Introducing you to executives and decision-makers
- Positioning you for high-impact roles
- Helping you build influence
Sponsors don’t just guide you—they advocate for you when you aren’t in the room.
Why Sponsors Accelerate Your Career
At higher levels, advancement isn’t driven only by talent.
It’s driven by:
- Visibility
- Trust
- Influence
- Being known by the right people for the right things
A sponsor creates those conditions. They connect your work to the organization’s strategic priorities. They steer you away from low-value efforts. And they ensure the right leaders know the impact you’re making.
The Bottom Line
Mentors are helpful. Managers are essential. But sponsors can change the trajectory of your career.
If you want to grow faster, step into bigger roles, and operate at a more strategic level, don’t just look for advice—look for someone who believes in your potential and is willing to champion it.
