Common Mistake: Not Recognizing Leaders Who Are Effective Sponsors
In any change effort, strong sponsorship is a make-or-break factor. But too often, leaders who get it right go unrecognized—and that’s a missed opportunity.
Quick Summary
Strong sponsorship is the cornerstone of successful change. Yet, organizations often overlook the importance of recognizing leaders who do it well. When great sponsorship goes unacknowledged, momentum fades—and so does motivation.
The Challenge
Leaders who actively champion change—communicating clearly, modeling visibly, and clearing roadblocks—are invaluable. But without acknowledgment, even the most committed sponsors may wonder if their effort is seen or valued. This silence can discourage future involvement and send the wrong message to others.
Why It Matters
Recognition reinforces behavior. When effective sponsorship is celebrated, it sets the standard for others and strengthens the culture of accountability and visibility. It’s not just about saying “thank you”—it’s about reinforcing what right looks like.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The Managed Change™ Model emphasizes the vital role of sponsorship in enabling successful change. Celebrating leaders who demonstrate effective sponsorship behaviors boosts morale and encourages consistent engagement.
Ways to Recognize Effective Sponsors
- Public Acknowledgment
Highlight effective sponsors in team meetings, newsletters, or leadership town halls. - .Share Success Stories
Use internal communications to tell stories of how sponsor actions contributed to project wins. - Link to Performance Reviews
Align sponsorship effectiveness with leadership KPIs or annual evaluations. - Offer Continued Development
Invite standout sponsors to mentoring opportunities or advanced leadership roles. - Thank Them—Specifically
A personalized message that cites specific sponsor behaviors is often more impactful than a generic thank-you.
Pro Tip
Recognition is a lever. Use it to reinforce what works—and replicate success across your leadership.
Wrap-Up
Don’t let great sponsorship go unnoticed. When you recognize what good looks like, you get more of it.
👉 Want to build a stronger sponsor culture? Join a Managed Change™ Workshop or Contact us to learn how the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model strengthens sponsorship from the start.
