Research tells us that getting a sponsor's support may be a missing link in helping female leaders get ahead. Sponsors are different than mentors. Though they are sometimes the same person, just as often they are not. Sometimes you may not even know the sponsor who champions you for a new position behind closed doors. They may simply know of you and your results. There are any number of reasons a sponsor may want to give you a chance.

And that's the challenge. You may not know them. And even if you do, you still have to pop up on their radar when they're looking for fresh talent to promote.

While nurturing mentor relationships relatively straightforward, attracting someone who's willing to advocate for you behind closed doors, even putting their own reputation on the line for you, is something altogether different.

Check out these tips for raising your visibility in ways that will get you noticed by potential sponsors.

Get your journal out! Turn this course into a personal reflection journey!