I've heard a lot about the importance of sponsorship. Some colleagues advised me to play the game well or get sponsored. The question to which I do not have a clear answer is how to get sponsored. What's the right way to go about it?
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@1qml+1iBbhfcI ‘tis a tale as old as time
Yeah, if you have to ask this question then you are not a leader.
Naturally connect? That is a bit naive. The process starts with legacy lists maintained for decades. The Company believes good blood can be carried over and also continue to be rewarded. Then there are the lists based on desired traits and background profiles. Also, are the political lists and lists like from Masons, LDS, alumni and other groups both to be recognized and rewarded as well as to maintain desired traits and breeding. After all that is pure nepotism and cronyism. The last are the PR and legal compliance optics groups. Occasionally, a true star and standout arises.
I don’t think there’s a system, approach or method. So far as I can tell, people get close to a senior leader because they naturally connect and the senior persons really wants the Junior person to be successful, and so advocate for them.
I think your question is unanswerable, like how do I make a friend or get a girl to like me.
Are people really sleeping their way to the top?
Fu-k your manager all night long ...that will help
There are some 'religious' (aka cult) elements that can help.
It does not help to have any social justice or any justice elements in your thinking.
Do not EVER express concern for any others - except those in management.
Thought crime is evaluated in every word you write or utter. Keep it down.
Whole-hog Texan can backfire on occasion, unless you are a native (2nd gen).
Don't for example, wear too big a hat at major events.
Flat-caps are the best for the formals where aged steaks will be served.
And lastly - nothing productive happens in elevators, despite what others may say.
Elevator floors are filthy.
Agree, the regurgitation of buzz words is key: make sure you incorporate into your daily vocabulary terms such as "digital", "ai", "data science", "cloud", "synergy", "hot-desking", "strategy", "energy transition", "united way", "organizational transformation", etc.
Agree, but, no need the subtlety. Just get a set of kneepads and go to town.
You have to "seduce" a manager with CL30 or more.
Now, different individuals are "seduced" in different ways, so you'll have to figure out what's the best approach based on yourself and your target sponsor.
The most effective approach is being a brown-noser that volunteers to make your supervisor look better in the eyes of his/her manager. Being white and texan, a graduate from UT or A&M or some other B school in the south (Tulsa, Louisiana State, etc), or a woman also helps.
Being subtle about is important, the sponsor needs to believe he/she was the one who has chosen you. Also, consent, diplomacy, obedience and regurgitation of buzz words are key elements, so keep that in mind.
Once a Hi-Po, always a Hi-Po. You will never be accountable for any destruction you leave behind you, you will belong to the top of the ranking always regardless of what you do or say, and you will enjoy handsome salary increases.
If you accomplish this I have two words for you 1) fk you. 2) fk your sponsor.