Who's pulling for you? Who's got your back? Who's putting your hat in the ring? Odds are this person is not a mentor but a sponsor. Mentors can build your self-esteem and provide a sounding board--but they're not your ticket to the top.

If you're interested in fast-tracking your career, what you need is a sponsor--a senior-level champion who believes in your potential and is willing to advocate for you as you pursue that next raise or promotion.

In this powerful yet practical book, economist and thought leader Sylvia Ann Hewlett--author of ten critically acclaimed books,...