How to Build a Sponsor Network at Work Without Playing Office Politics

You can be one of the strongest performers in your team and still discover that an important opportunity has gone to someone else. Not because that person is necessarily more capable, but because when the role was discussed, somebody senior knew their work, understood what they wanted next and felt confident saying, “She is ready.”

That conversation may happen during a talent review, succession meeting, restructuring discussion or informal conversation between senior leaders. You will probably never be in the room when it happens. This is why building a Sponsor Network at Work matters: careers are shaped not only by the quality of the work we do, but also by whether credible people can speak about that work when decisions are being made.