When Jaimee Eddington, regional leader at Heidrick & Struggles’ America Region, first joined the firm, she had a strong sponsor who not only helped her learn the art of executive search, but helped to elevate her work across the organization. He was intentional about ensuring that her contributions and partnerships on projects were known to others and was deliberate about giving her credit. He mentioned her and her work where she did not have access or visibility and introduced her to leaders at the firm she otherwise would not have met, highlighting her capabilities and strengths. In short, he promoted Jaimee and opened doors for opportunities to support her advancement.
Sponsorship is the key to advancing women to leadership positions. Yet finding a sponsor who is willing to put his/her reputation on the line is challenging. That challenge is now amplified in a hybrid/remote work environment that limits in-person interaction. For an ambitious woman, the goal of creating visibility and credibility for career advancement requires more focus than ever. You can no longer rely on casually meeting someone in the hallway and asking them to coffee. Online interaction necessitates being proactive and intentional. Making it your intention to find a sponsor is a great investment in your future success.
I reached out to Jaimee Eddington for her thoughts on the challenges of sponsorship in this new work environment.
Read the full article on Forbes.com.
Recent Comments