Dec 20, 2015
The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSMSM
How We See It at American ExpressHow We See It at American Express
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
Discussion Agenda Discussion Agenda
Why are we talking about this?
What is sponsorship, anyway?
How do you get it?
What’s it like when it’s working?
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
The Advent of Sponsorship at American ExpressThe Advent of Sponsorship at American Express
Why we’re talking about Sponsorship…
Strong gender mix
Organization structure changes
Senior female departures
Lowest gender balance at very top
Culture of relationship & results
New opportunities
Focus on retention & advancement
… The Sponsor Effect SM
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
There is a differenceThere is a difference
Mentor Requested, time-bound relationship
Career advice & guidance
Advocate
Earned, based on performance / knowledge of your work
Can be peer, subordinate or superior
Speak on your behalf, addressing your career interests
Sponsor The “ultimate goal”
Can influence the course of your career
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSMSM
Sponsorship
Is a critical relationship that impacts your career
Is earned
Is different from mentoring & coaching
Must be nurtured & sustained –“The Maintenance Factor”
The Sponsor EffectSM
Is the impact of sponsorship on your career
Results in the positive or negative outcomes of having or not having a sponsor
Is often a determining factor for the advancement & retention of diverse talent
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSM SM
How many of you believe you have a sponsor?
More than one?
How many are just not sure?
If you have a sponsor, what does he/she do for you?
If you do not currently have a sponsor, what do you believe a sponsor could do for you?
By show of hands…
Discussion…
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSM SM
Sponsorship is a critical relationship that impacts your advancement & retention.
Within your company/organization/group Always more senior in hierarchy A credible voice of authority A decision maker Present at the talent table/discussion; able to influence decisions about
your career An organically grown relation Willing to ride his/her reputation alongside yours Willing to take a risk on you; believe in you before you do Often willing to give you a job when you really need one!
A Sponsor is…
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Sounds good…how do I get it?Sounds good…how do I get it?
By show of hands… What can you do to earn sponsorship?
Talk about what you believe are potential pathways to sponsorship.
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
Be GoodBe VisibleBe ConsistentShowcase SkillsHighlight CapabilitiesDemonstrate PotentialDisplay PerformanceExceed Expectations
…People leaders are not sponsors for all their direct reports– nor should they be!
Sponsorship is earned, nurtured and sustained over time. In its early stages, we may not know we have a sponsor; over time a deeper, more meaningful relationship evolves.
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Earning SponsorshipEarning Sponsorship
Sponsorship begins with demonstrating and delivering results.
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.
The Power of Sponsorship When it WorksThe Power of Sponsorship When it WorksBoth the sponsor and the sponsored talent take action and ownership to foster a strong relationship.
Sp
on
sor
Believes in you Offers support Makes connections/provides access Opens doors/expands network Has courageous conversations Gives a vote of confidence Creates opportunity Gives air cover
Sp
on
sore
d T
alen
t
Delivers results Works hardest for sponsor Makes Sponsor look good Keeps Sponsor in the loop –
highlights work/celebrates wins & shares challenges
Prioritizes the relationship
Sponsorship Relationship
Weighty: shared responsibility & accountability
Generous: patience, time, goodwill
Committed: loyalty & obligation
High Expectations: outcomes with risk & reward
…Effective sponsorship delivers tangible outputs – real-time talent management, career advancement, a more inclusive leadership culture, top talent retention!
© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.