In today’s dynamic professional world, the value of building strong relationships cannot be overstated. Last week, at the SAP SAPPHIRE AND ASUG Annual Conference in Orlando, I had the honor of being a panelist alongside Margaret Anderson, SVP Global Head of Partner Delivery Management at SAP Enterprise Cloud Services, and Kimberly Burke, VP CIO Protein & Salt at Cargill. Together, we explored three essential elements for career success: mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship. These pillars, highlighted in McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace 2023 study, illuminate the paths to career advancement and the personal agency required to navigate them effectively. If you missed ASUG’s Women Connect panel discussion, here are three key takeaways:

Mentorship: The Gateway to Growth

Mentorship is often the first step in professional development. A mentor provides guidance, knowledge, and support, helping mentees navigate the complexities of their careers. This relationship fosters both personal and professional growth, offering a safe space to share challenges, seek advice, and gain new perspectives. According to the McKinsey study, mentorship significantly boosts career satisfaction and advancement. Women with mentors are more likely to be promoted and feel a stronger sense of belonging at work. It’s crucial to seek mentors who can provide specific insights relevant to your career aspirations.

One idea shared during the panel was the concept of having a Personal Board of Directors (PBOD). This powerful tool leverages the diverse expertise and support of trusted advisors, helping you navigate your career path more effectively, seize new opportunities, and achieve your goals. Building and maintaining a PBOD requires effort and adaptability, but the benefits far outweigh the investment. As your career progresses, your PBOD can offer strategic guidance, accountability, and support, propelling you toward success.

Sponsorship: The Pathway to Advancement

While mentorship is valuable, sponsorship takes the relationship a step further. A sponsor actively advocates for their protégé, opening doors to new opportunities and championing their advancement within the organization. Sponsors leverage their influence and networks to ensure their protégés are considered for high-stakes projects and leadership roles. The McKinsey research shows that women with sponsors are more likely to ascend to senior leadership positions. Sponsorship creates a tangible pathway for career progression, transforming potential into opportunity. Women must seek out sponsors who can guide and actively promote their growth within the organization.

The panel emphasized the importance of diverse work experience and gaining sponsorship outside of your direct line of management. Having a sponsor outside of your direct management can significantly enhance your career growth. These sponsors offer broader perspectives, increase your visibility, provide unbiased advocacy, and open doors to diverse opportunities. By expanding your network and gaining support from various parts of your organization, you position yourself for significant and sustained career advancement.

Taking Initiative

Personal and professional growth requires a proactive approach. Waiting for opportunities to come your way is a passive strategy that seldom yields significant results. Instead, take the initiative to seek out mentors, build networks, and identify sponsors who can support your career aspirations. Be clear about your goals and communicate them effectively to those who can help you achieve them.

 Saying yes to the right things is a strategic skill that requires clarity of purpose, realistic assessment of your capacity, and an understanding of the potential impact. By aligning opportunities with your goals and values, prioritizing growth and learning, and embracing challenges, you can make decisions that propel you toward success. Equally, knowing when to say no is vital to protect your well-being and maintain focus on what truly matters.

Continuous Learning and Development

Investing in continuous learning and skill development is crucial. The professional landscape is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires ongoing education and adaptation. Attend workshops, pursue advanced certifications, and engage in activities that enhance your skill set. This not only increases your value to the organization but also boosts your confidence and readiness to take on new challenges.

Successfully integrating new learning into your work and gaining recognition without appearing boastful involves a strategic approach. By applying new skills consistently, seeking feedback, and continuously reflecting and adjusting, you ensure effective integration of your learning. To gain recognition, let your work speak for itself, share knowledge generously, use subtle self-promotion techniques, leverage advocates, and align your achievements with organizational goals.

Building a Strategic Plan

Start by setting clear, achievable goals. Outline the steps required to reach these goals and identify the resources and support you will need. A strategic plan acts as a roadmap, guiding your actions and keeping you focused on your objectives. Regularly review and adjust your plan to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving aspirations and the changing professional landscape.

Incorporate a timeline into your strategic plan, breaking down your goals into short-term, mid-term, and long-term objectives. This helps create a sense of urgency and ensures you allocate sufficient time and resources to each stage of your plan. Use tools like Gantt charts or project management software to visualize your timeline and track progress effectively.

Executing the Plan with Commitment

Once your plan is in place, it’s essential to execute it with commitment and consistency. This involves prioritizing tasks, managing your time effectively, and staying disciplined in your efforts. Track your progress and celebrate milestones to maintain motivation and momentum.

To ensure you stay on track, establish regular check-ins and accountability mechanisms. This could involve weekly reviews of your progress, setting up accountability partners, or using productivity apps to monitor your daily tasks and deadlines. Regular check-ins help you stay focused, make necessary adjustments, and keep your long-term goals in sight while managing day-to-day responsibilities.