The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSMSM

How We See It at American ExpressHow We See It at American Express

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Discussion Agenda Discussion Agenda

Why are we talking about this?

What is sponsorship, anyway?

How do you get it?

What’s it like when it’s working?

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

The Advent of Sponsorship at American ExpressThe Advent of Sponsorship at American Express

Why we’re talking about Sponsorship…

Strong gender mix

Organization structure changes

Senior female departures

Lowest gender balance at very top

Culture of relationship & results

New opportunities

Focus on retention & advancement

… The Sponsor Effect SM

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

There is a differenceThere is a difference

Mentor Requested, time-bound relationship

Career advice & guidance

Advocate

Earned, based on performance / knowledge of your work

Can be peer, subordinate or superior

Speak on your behalf, addressing your career interests

Sponsor The “ultimate goal”

Can influence the course of your career

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSMSM

Sponsorship

Is a critical relationship that impacts your career

Is earned

Is different from mentoring & coaching

Must be nurtured & sustained –“The Maintenance Factor”

The Sponsor EffectSM

Is the impact of sponsorship on your career

Results in the positive or negative outcomes of having or not having a sponsor

Is often a determining factor for the advancement & retention of diverse talent

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSM SM

How many of you believe you have a sponsor?

More than one?

How many are just not sure?

If you have a sponsor, what does he/she do for you?

If you do not currently have a sponsor, what do you believe a sponsor could do for you?

By show of hands…

Discussion…

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Sponsorship &Sponsorship & The Sponsor EffectThe Sponsor EffectSM SM

Sponsorship is a critical relationship that impacts your advancement & retention.

Within your company/organization/group Always more senior in hierarchy A credible voice of authority A decision maker Present at the talent table/discussion; able to influence decisions about

your career An organically grown relation Willing to ride his/her reputation alongside yours Willing to take a risk on you; believe in you before you do Often willing to give you a job when you really need one!

A Sponsor is…

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Sounds good…how do I get it?Sounds good…how do I get it?

By show of hands… What can you do to earn sponsorship?

Talk about what you believe are potential pathways to sponsorship.

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

Be GoodBe VisibleBe ConsistentShowcase SkillsHighlight CapabilitiesDemonstrate PotentialDisplay PerformanceExceed Expectations

…People leaders are not sponsors for all their direct reports– nor should they be!

Sponsorship is earned, nurtured and sustained over time. In its early stages, we may not know we have a sponsor; over time a deeper, more meaningful relationship evolves.

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Earning SponsorshipEarning Sponsorship

Sponsorship begins with demonstrating and delivering results.

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.

The Power of Sponsorship When it WorksThe Power of Sponsorship When it WorksBoth the sponsor and the sponsored talent take action and ownership to foster a strong relationship.

Sp

on

sor

Believes in you Offers support Makes connections/provides access Opens doors/expands network Has courageous conversations Gives a vote of confidence Creates opportunity Gives air cover

Sp

on

sore

d T

alen

t

Delivers results Works hardest for sponsor Makes Sponsor look good Keeps Sponsor in the loop –

highlights work/celebrates wins & shares challenges

Prioritizes the relationship

Sponsorship Relationship

Weighty: shared responsibility & accountability

Generous: patience, time, goodwill

Committed: loyalty & obligation

High Expectations: outcomes with risk & reward

…Effective sponsorship delivers tangible outputs – real-time talent management, career advancement, a more inclusive leadership culture, top talent retention!

© 2008-2010 American Express. All rights reserved.