It’s not uncommon for today’s rising stars to align themselves with high-powered individuals in order to fast-track their careers — and in fact, it’s recommended. But sometimes, it’s not so simple. According to my research, 95% of men and 93% of women say they find it easiest to give and receive guidance in a one-on-one setting. Yet 64% of senior men (vice president and above) and 50% of up-and-coming women admit they’re hesitant to initiate any sort of one-on-one with each other lest their motives be misconstrued by their colleagues and rumors start poisoning the workplace. This may come as a shock to the many men and women who thought they left this sort of gossip in high school, but unfortunately, it still exists. And it hurts ambitious women’s chances for promotion. This post will focus on what a protégé can do to protect herself; tomorrow, we’ll identify what high-powered sponsors can do as well.