Posted on May 29, 2015
Why has mentoring recently captured the military’s attention? Are you a mentor? Do you have a mentor? Do you think a mentor is needed?
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Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Mentorship
Leadership Mentorship
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
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Yes! Yes! A million times yes. I learned to grab the coattails of someone credible and learn from them.
Irrespective of one's age or rank, we should never think that we know it all. We can all learn something from anyone/everyone. Life is a whirling pool of information sharing.
Irrespective of one's age or rank, we should never think that we know it all. We can all learn something from anyone/everyone. Life is a whirling pool of information sharing.
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SMSgt Donald Polaski
SOOOOO true.. Mentoring is a special skill set. Once you find some one who has the skill, you will never forget them. They are a gold mine! I was fortunate enough to find that I had this skill. No one taught me, it didn't come from a book and you really can not "pass it on".. Some of my greatest memories are associated with mentoring. When you find a junior NCO that no one trusts or wants - mentor them and they become "shining stars" that everyone suddenly wants - what a reward.
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I was mentored early on by this "Crusty Old Sergeant" who was at my first duty station to retire. I respected his advise and still live by some of his suggestions. I had many other mentors along the way - both officer and NCO.. I began mentoring other younger NCO's who I saw great potential in, but who needed some guidance. Mentors are great! But I don't believe everyone can be a mentor. I think like most attributes, it takes a certain type of individual to be a great mentor. Not that these people are better than everyone else, it is like shooting or any other skill - some have it and some don't - and many have just a little.. I am grateful for my mentors - they made me who I am even today.. I have heard from some whom I have mentored and they appreciate my interest in them.
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Great series of questions, Chief.
Like LTC Shaw said, how often do we give the same counseling statement as opposed to actually guiding Soldiers through the steps to improve. I cannot tell you how often I got a carbon copy of the same 4856 month after month, or failing that never got one at all.
I think mentorship is being pushed so hard because it really isn't happening. NCOERs are being rushed out to meet deadlines as opposed to being done how they should, and 1/1 ratings given where they rightfully should not. The purposes that evaluations, whether they are for Officers, NCOs or Soldiers, are being ignored simply to meet deadlines.
I like to think that I am a mentor to those who I serve alongside, and I choose to view most of those I come across as mentor, whether they illustrate that which should be emulated or show me what not to be/do. Mentors are extremely important because nothing can replace life experience.
Like LTC Shaw said, how often do we give the same counseling statement as opposed to actually guiding Soldiers through the steps to improve. I cannot tell you how often I got a carbon copy of the same 4856 month after month, or failing that never got one at all.
I think mentorship is being pushed so hard because it really isn't happening. NCOERs are being rushed out to meet deadlines as opposed to being done how they should, and 1/1 ratings given where they rightfully should not. The purposes that evaluations, whether they are for Officers, NCOs or Soldiers, are being ignored simply to meet deadlines.
I like to think that I am a mentor to those who I serve alongside, and I choose to view most of those I come across as mentor, whether they illustrate that which should be emulated or show me what not to be/do. Mentors are extremely important because nothing can replace life experience.
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