Posted on Sep 27, 2013
Should women in the military seek out other women as mentors to gain career advice?
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The topic of women in leadership roles has received a great deal of visibility since Sheryl Sandberg published her book "Lean In". Does this concept translate to military service? If so, are there any recommended measures that could build a great network?
Mentorship
Networking
Women in the Military
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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I'm inclined to think they should seek out succesful mentors in related career paths, regardless of gender. I'd suggest that qualifications are more important than plumbing.
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LTC (Join to see)
Agreed. I think any program that drives a wedge between genders, races or any other issue only divides leaders. I know alot of great female leaders that would be offended if you tried to tell them that they are different because of the plumbing. I think that good leaders are good leaders. Period.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Lt Col Woody - If done professionally, good mentorship purposely would not drive a wedget between genders. I think the intent would be to help increase communication between many different groups...functional specialties, gender, etc.
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CW3 (Join to see)
So the 'Divas in Boots' PD that was discussed on another thread here is definitely a non-starter, I take it?
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I believe they should. I am a young SSG who only has six years in the Army. There are quite a few things I needed to seek mentorship on. I have two other mentors who are male but it wasn't until I had a senior female NCO take me under her wing that I really gained the most knowledge. It's confidence knowing that a senior female is in your corner backing you.
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I am one of only a handful of females in my squadron mam...the only female medic... and to be honest I always find myself wishing there was a female there to mentor me and guide me. I am not saying a male can not mentor me because the NCOs I have now are outstanding, but I think it's only natural for me to want that female perspective.
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CW3 (Join to see)
SSG Woods, I'm seeing that too, and not seeing how that's unprofessional. Based on the features, I'd guess that the civilian woman is a relative of PFC Keffer's.... I don't really see anything unprofessional about the photo.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
Sir, I was really starting to question if I was losing my sanity! Lol I could not for the life of me figure out what is unprofessional about her photo! Maybe there's something here we don't see...
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SSG (Join to see)
A mentor isn't and shouldn't be based off a persons sex. A mentor is someone that you strive to emulate, not all females or males have gone through the same things. Picking a female medic when your a female engineer doesn't make since.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
SGT Sadler
Nowhere does it say to exclude or discredit male mentors. Do you not see experienced women on here who are saying they wish they had a female mentor in addition to the male mentors?
Exactly how much advice are you going to give a woman soldier who is breast feeding? What bras would you recommend to her for the field? What are the best places for her to hide her tampons?
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