How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work | Carla Harris

TED10 minutes read

The speaker discusses the myth of meritocracy in organizations and introduces the concept of having a sponsor for career advancement, emphasizing the importance of performance and relationship currency in attracting a sponsor. Having a sponsor, someone with decision-making power and influence, is crucial for career progression and success, as they can advocate for individuals behind closed doors and support deserving candidates.

Insights

  • Sponsors play a crucial role in career advancement by advocating for individuals behind closed doors, emphasizing the importance of performance and relationship currency in attracting sponsors who can significantly impact one's trajectory.
  • The speaker's experience reveals the fallacy of meritocracy in organizational evaluations, shedding light on the subjective nature of assessments that underscore the significance of having a sponsor with decision-making power, exposure to one's work, and influence for successful career progression.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of having a sponsor in career advancement?

    Having a sponsor is crucial for career progression as they advocate for individuals behind closed doors, raising visibility and reputation. Sponsors can help attract opportunities and support exceptional performance, playing a critical role in success.

  • How does performance currency impact career development?

    Performance currency, generated by exceeding expectations, raises visibility and reputation. Exceptional performance may attract a sponsor, leading to career advancement opportunities and success.

  • What is relationship currency and why is it important?

    Relationship currency is built through investing time in connecting with others. It is crucial for asking someone to be a sponsor, as they need to know and trust you for career advancement.

  • How can one identify a potential sponsor?

    Identifying a sponsor requires someone with decision-making power, exposure to your work, and influence. A script is provided for requesting sponsorship, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right sponsor for career progression.

  • Why is the myth of meritocracy debunked in organizational evaluations?

    The myth of meritocracy is debunked in organizational evaluations due to the subjective nature of assessments involving human elements. The speaker realized the importance of having a sponsor for career advancement, highlighting the role of relationships and exceptional performance in success.

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Summary

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"Unlocking Career Success: The Power of Sponsorship"

  • The speaker recalls a pivotal moment in 1988 during a roundtable evaluation process on Wall Street, where professionals were categorized into top, middle, or lower buckets for bonuses based on discussions behind closed doors.
  • Observing the roundtable, the speaker noted one person recorded outcomes, others presented candidates' cases, and senior guests commented on positions.
  • The speaker realized the myth of meritocracy in organizations, understanding the subjective nature of evaluations involving human elements.
  • The speaker introduced the concept of a sponsor, someone advocating for an individual behind closed doors, emphasizing the importance of having one for career advancement.
  • Performance currency, generated by exceeding expectations, raises visibility, reputation, and may attract a sponsor due to exceptional performance.
  • Relationship currency, built through investing time in connecting with others, is crucial for asking someone to be a sponsor, as they need to know and trust you.
  • Identifying a sponsor requires someone with decision-making power, exposure to your work, and influence, with a script provided for requesting sponsorship.
  • The speaker stresses the critical role of a sponsor in career progression, highlighting the necessity of having one for success and advising potential sponsors to use their power to support deserving individuals.
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