Ask the Mentor

• Mentorship is often talked about, but how do I find and leverage a sponsor—someone who actively advocates for me in my career? – Vaiga

Great question. A mentor offers guidance and advice, while a sponsor goes a step further—they actively advocate for your growth and are willing to put their reputation on the line for you. Sponsors usually emerge naturally. They are people in positions of influence who have seen your work, trusted your abilities, and believed in your potential.

To find a sponsor, focus on consistently delivering strong results so your work speaks for itself. Build relationships beyond your immediate team and across different levels of the organization. Try to be visible in strategic projects or important forums where senior leaders can notice your contributions. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for stretch assignments and openly share your career goals—people can only advocate for opportunities they know you’re aiming for.

When it comes to leveraging a sponsor, be clear about how they can support you. Whether it’s recommending you for a new role, introducing you to key people, or putting your name forward for important opportunities, the more specific you are, the more effectively they can help.

• If people at work misinterpret my leadership style or intentions, how can I reshape the narrative without being defensive? -Akanksha

If people at work misinterpret your leadership style or intentions, the key is to address it without becoming defensive. Start by seeking feedback with genuine curiosity instead of resistance. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your experience of how I handled that situation?” This invites honest perspectives and creates space for dialogue.

Acknowledge the impact of your actions, even if your intention was different, and share what you’re learning about yourself. For example, you might say, “I realize I sometimes come across as too direct in meetings. My intention is to be efficient, but I see how that could feel abrupt. I’m working on balancing clarity with connection.”

People tend to respect leaders who are self-aware and open to growth. Demonstrating that you’re evolving doesn’t show weakness—it reflects true strength and maturity.

• How do you navigate workplace politics without losing authenticity or getting caught in unnecessary conflicts? – Pooja

Workplace politics are often just part of the reality of human dynamics within complex systems. One helpful approach is to reframe politics as relationship management and strategic alignment.

Stay grounded in your own values, but also take the time to understand what matters to others—their goals, pressures, and motivations. Choose your battles wisely; not every issue is worth fighting over. It’s important to stay out of gossip, but still stay informed about what’s happening around you.

Most importantly, focus on building alliances, not just friendships. In many cases, being respected will take you much further than simply being liked.

• What should I do if I’ve hit a plateau—where I’m no longer learning, but I’m also not ready to quit? – Meghna

Hitting a plateau isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s a much-needed space to pause, reflect, and realign your goals.

If you’re feeling stuck, try redesigning your current role. Look for new problems you can solve, offer to mentor someone, or find ways to automate repetitive tasks to create fresh challenges for yourself. Upskilling is another powerful option—take on a project that pushes you outside your comfort zone, even if it’s something informal.

It can also help to have a career conversation with your manager. Share that you’re looking for opportunities to grow and ask for guidance or stretch assignments. Exploring lateral moves within your organization can broaden your skills and open new doors, too.

Most importantly, use this time to ask yourself bigger questions: What do I really want next? What excites and energizes me now? Sometimes, standing still for a moment gives you the clarity you need for your next big leap.

-Dr. Abha Bhartia is a DEI and L& D Consultant with 22+ years in the industry. She is a certified coach. She designs and facilitates customized training programs that focus on a range of topics, from soft skills to leadership development.