Matching sponsors and sponsees

The experiences of both sponsors and the people they sponsor suggest that the best matches occur when:

There is no direct reporting line (i.e., the sponsor is not the boss of the sponsee’s boss), but the sponsor has opportunities to observe the sponsee and to hear about how others perceive them.
This “neither too near nor too far” perspective allows for appropriate guidance and influence on the part of the sponsor. If the sponsor is in the reporting line, this may cause anxiety and friction with the sponsee’s boss. It may also result in conflict of loyalty for the sponsee in respect of their boss and their sponsor.
The sponsor understands – ideally from personal experience – all or part of the sponsee’s previous and planned future career path.
There is strong compatibility in terms of personal values.
(In mentoring, we typically aim for more “grit in the oyster” to facilitate co-learning, but that is less important in sponsorship.)
They can meet face-to-face rather than virtually.
It’s a lot harder to give and receive critical feedback well using virtual media.
The relationship between the sponsor and the sponsee’s boss is not too cosy.
(Otherwise, the natural instinct to play up to the sponsor is harder to control.)

Prof David Clutterbuck
Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd
Woodlands, Tollgate,
Maidenhead,
Berks, UK. SL6 4LJ

www.coachingandmentoringinternational.org
e-mail: info@coachingandmentoringinternational.org
Company registration number : 08158710