For those working in large organizations navigating the corporate ladder to the upper ranks can be a challenge but a piece on the thought leadership website Strategy + Business may provide insight on reading the road map to success.
Liz Sweigart, a former executive at PwC in the US, identified three distinct characters in this play.
First is the fan or superfan, important players in the business or bureaucracy with clout who will speak highly of you but is not prepared to spend their political capital to see you advance.
Then there is the mentor, an important coach and guide, but lacking the internal clout to push you forward.
That power lies with the sponsor, a respected individual in the organization willing to advocate for your advancement by staking their own reputation for your promotion.
In a world where diversity and inclusion are coming to the forefront, she argues this knowledge is critical for those in under-represented groups to understand and they need to identify and cultivate someone willing to put their own name on the line for your promotion.
