This seminal research into how and why women and men advance in organizations shed light on a previously unrealized truth: mentoring is not enough. In fact, while mentors do help women and men in many ways, men are more likely to have sponsors advocating for their advancement behind closed doors. And these champions are more critical than mentors for achieving promotions.

Mentors are important for helping us shape our identity as leaders and learning the ropes.

Sponsors are advocate for us to their peers and others we don't always have access to. They convince others to take a chance on us. They put their own credibility on the line by recommending us.

To learn more about the importance of mentors and sponsors, check out this original research summary.

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