"Mentorship:" How's it impacted you (or your career)?

2013-11-08T20:52:42-05:00

What are your thoughts on and experiences with mentorship?  In your experience has the practice helped you?  If so, how? Has a mentor helped you to see things more clearly, become a better service member, a better leader, or a better person in general?  How has this helped you to develop, has it changed your outlook or changed you for the better?  How has mentorship (or the lack of mentorship) impacted mission, morale, or overall personal or unit performance?  Also, feel free to share any concepts, observations, ideas or resources on mentorship... as well as any useful or interesting stories, the "good, the bad, or indifferent" on the subject of mentorship. This is your thread to talk about what's important to you, so please feel free to share any photos, resources, links, words of wisdom, sound files, or anything else necessary to tell your story. Now, pull up a keyboard and let's get the conversation rolling; thank you for all that you do... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 8 at 2013 9:26 PM

2013-11-08T21:26:56-05:00

Sir, my most significant mentor was all I hoped for not because he left me feeling good every day, but because he challenged me every day. He routinely came to me with things that were clearly in his ballpark, and added them to my work list with only the most basic instructions and information. It was never because he couldn't do it; it was to force me to learn the skills needed to do it myself. In our three years together I was forced to learn far more than I would have if left to my own devices. Each project or task was followed by a critique, and a string of "What if this or this had happened?" It helped me to consider second and third order consequences I would not have otherwise considered; plan for a wide variety of operational contingencies and politic my solutions to the command. I am certainly a better leader now because of this experience. Other members of the command cadre had similar experiences, and it had a trickle down effect in the unit. We paid it forward to those in our charge and care. Morale was better and performance improved to such a degree that we passed all standardization training/operational reviews and earned two unit awards; something that could not be said about us under our previous leadership.

The sad truth is that I had earlier supervisor routinely tell me and I quote "Be damn happy you're getting a paycheck" when I would inquire about career development opportunities. Needless to say my morale was substantially different in that environment, and likewise so was the performance of the organization.

For me personally, mentorship starts with building the initial relationship, and trying to discover what my subordinate desires as an outcome. If I more fully understand what they hope to accomplish, it allows me to tailor my approach to their situation; provide specific guidance for their circumstances; and seek opportunities that are likely to enhance their short and long term performance.

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Nov 9 at 2013 7:48 AM

2013-11-09T07:48:40-05:00

I have had two opportunities to be officially and professionally mentored. The first was shortly before I graduated though a program called American Corporate Partners, which is a Veteran mentor program that attempts to help Veterans find jobs with specific corporations. It was one of greatest experiences I have had professionally and I recommend it to any Veteran. (http://www.acp-usa.org/)

The second time is actually currently. NASA has an Accelerated Training Program that new hires can do, which in part requires you to have a mentor. This has been key to learning not only my job, but also things I need to do to improve my self, and how to start preparing for career advancement.

I have also had several non official mentors which again proved to be vital in their respective areas. There is no substitute for having someone on hand with experience to come to and speak face to face about problems, questions, or advice.

Veteran Mentoring Program | American Corporate Partners (ACP)

Connecting US Veterans to business leaders through our two free programs: an online network offering business advice, and a nationwide mentoring program.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 8:45 PM

2013-11-09T20:45:35-05:00

Sir,

In my opinion in today’s Army we are not having the
mentorship that we need. I have been lucky enough to be part of a section which
my two supervisors are doing a great job mentoring me. I have seen new Soldiers with good attitude and
a lot of motivation chosen the wrong path because they don’t have that mentor
to guide them and show them the right way. Mentorship is a must because that’s how
you shape a Soldier in a professional way. I’m still learning but I’m trying my
best to mentor my Soldiers and create a base so they can continue to grow and
learn the way they supposed to.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 12 at 2013 9:32 AM

2013-11-12T09:32:02-05:00

Sir, respectfully when I look at the thirty years I have in, it was definitely the Leadership both exemplary and toxic that has shaped me in the Leader I am today. I remember as a SSG striving to be a SFC and my MOS was closed. My CSM suggested for me to go Warrant and I did.

The power of suggestion, encouragement and the ability to duplicate and emulate what right looks like. When I was a WO1, I was at a cross road in my career and due to the toxic environment it led me on another path as a Chaplain.

Every choice that I have made in my career striving for higher education or changing my MOS has come from the experience of standing up for my belief system. I have learned that adversity is just as powerful and needed as prosperity.

Comfort often stagnates and leaves the individual in a state of mediocrity.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 11:10 PM

2013-11-14T23:10:25-05:00

It was mentioned in another thread, that a mentorship resource may be a good idea for RallyPoint; I think it could be great idea, although I'm not exactly sure how it would be implemented, perhaps a separate tab or a link to a dedicated page? What are your thoughts, do you like the idea? If so, what would be the best way to go about it... if not, what other ideas would you like to share/workshop/brainstorm?

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 15 at 2013 1:26 AM

2013-11-15T01:26:07-05:00

Tremendously effective in all modes and levels of service. I have had formal and informal since being an E-1. Maybe I was lucky or whatever, but it has been effective in my success. I strive daily to mentor not only peers and subordinates, but superiors too. Respect and the Army Values go a long way. Have had toxic leaders and Soldiers before, mentorship is extended and not always taken, but it is rewarding to have folks approach you from either rumor or personal knowledge of your effectiveness as a mentor. More to follow!

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 26 at 2013 1:24 PM

2013-12-26T13:24:32-05:00

I addressed something similar to this a few months back, we are no longer in the mentality of mentoring anymore the way we used to, I believe that because of today's environment of potentially losing the job to someone younger and maybe fast tracking, similar to the corporate world, many leaders at all levels are afraid to mentor that subordinate for fear they may take their job.

Response by SSG William Patton made Dec 26 at 2013 8:04 PM

2013-12-26T20:04:03-05:00

James, I have to agree with your assessment that mentoring should be occurring with someone two ranks below you. Those with one stripe less should be ready in a second, literally, to step in and do your job. Combat makes that concept crucial for the cohesive continuation of the mission should you fall. I had NCOs in Viet Nam that took the approach to teach all below Sgt (E-5) to the Sgts job so in emergencies anyone in the squad could assume squad leadership. My SFC was a WWII and Korean War veteran and he always said the GI was a better soldier than the Germans because any GI who had been trained could step in and assume leadership of the squad. Without naming it, he was mentoring each member of the squad to be ready in an instant to become a leader. His philosophy was put to the test when I was promoted to Sgt due to the Sgt. in my squad getting wounded and being evacuated out of theater. I was able to step in and assume duties and the transition was seamless due to the SFCs mentoring and philosophy of mentoring. Anyone in the squad could have done the job, but it just happened that because of time in grade, it was my turn.

Response by COL George Reed made Dec 27 at 2013 7:19 PM

2013-12-27T19:19:04-05:00

While mentoring relationships often begin within the chain of supervision, the best mentors are frequently those who are not in the rating chain. While you should expect guidance, direction and coaching from your supervisors, mentors in the classical sense are those you can confide in and seek support from. Supervision tends to trump mentoring every time. Here's an article on the subject that some friends and I contributed to: http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/articles/02autumn/martin.pdf.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:00 AM

2014-01-17T03:00:58-05:00

I am a reflection of my Senior Lance Corporals, NCO's, and SNCO's that were in my everyday life climbing through the ranks. Everybody should have a mentor, if you do not have one, get one. Even a garbage mentor, you can take something away from.

These men played a role in my development and like they have done, I continue to provide mentorship to my men, and they too will do the same for theirs.

LCpl Kjesbu

Cpl/Sgt Graham

GySgt Long

GySgt Tellez

SCPO Young

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 12:10 PM

2014-01-22T12:10:04-05:00

In my 12 years I have had the greatest mentorship I could of ever hoped for. It has been given many names: tough love, smoking session, group/mass punishment, one-on-one counseling, positive reenforcement. I had a boss with whom I would sit down in his office daily to discuss weekend plans, Soldier issues, daily battle plan, and sometimes just to talk about nothing in general. I have seen just about every type there is, but can honestly say I have never had a "toxic" leader. I have had the blessing of being mentored by Senior and Junior Officers as well as Senior and Junior NCOs. From my arrival to my first duty station in Colorado till now I have had some great experiences. I know I am in my current position because of my mentors/leaders.

If I can give half the mentorship I have received then I know my Soldiers will be G2G for their entire military and/or civilian careers; if I can give them 100% of the mentorship I have received then I know they will have every tool to be GREAT!

In my current position I am the junior person (2 Colonels, 2 Majors and one E-9). For me there is nothing more disappointing than not being able to take someone under my wing. While I enjoy my current special duty I cannot wait to get back to Big Army to have Soldiers. The job of the NCO is to train and mentor the next generation of leaders. I OWE it my past mentors to continue what they started in me. My Soldiers will in turn do the same when they are placed in leadership positions. It is an ever adapting cycle without end in which everyone benefits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-01-31T12:32:58-05:00

My Brigade has a mentorship program that it recently established, unfortunately I haven't met my mentor in person, but we have had some correspondence by email

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-01-31T21:20:59-05:00

If you're enjoying this discussion, you may find this conversation interesting as well: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/315-should-women-in-the-military-seek-out-other-women-as-mentors-to-gain-career-advice

Should women in the military seek out other women as mentors to gain career advice?

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 a...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 10:10 PM

2014-02-06T22:10:21-05:00

Here's another read on the subject for you all: "Cyberpower and National Security," edited by Franklin D. Kramer, Stuart H. Starr, and Larry K. Wentz - Center for Technology and National Security Policy, National Defense University (NDU) - NDU Press/Potomac Books Inc., Washington, DC, 2009.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 10:16 PM

2014-02-06T22:16:03-05:00

MAJ,

Ive been in the Army almost 4 years, and I feel that I've had my share of bad and good NCO's. But the latest leader/mentor I've had over me has had a great impact on my career and leadership potential.

I've been working towards my goals, but never got anywhere because I didn't have leaders that wanted to put in the work to help out a soldier progress. But this new NCO has gone above and beyond for me and all his soldier's. Ive learned a great deal from him. A true leader putting his soldier above himself.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 10:29 PM

2014-02-06T22:29:38-05:00

In order to promote maximum discussion on an important topic, here's another thread on the subject of "mentorship." Thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing that we can do to promote mentorship?

Mentorship is more than doing the required phone calls, etc.  We all have mentors from our past both good and bad.  I still call the ones that I consider good for their opinions.  Perso...

Response by CW3 Clayton C. made Feb 6 at 2014 10:45 PM

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Sir,

I have had the honor and privilege of some of the best mentorship anyone could ask for. I've also been blessed a with short term memory when a person exercises authority in an incorrect manner over me individually. If it takes place and involves my soldiers, that could be a different story depending on the situation (danger or inconvenience being the deciding factors). I not only take people as individuals but situations can be treated in much the same way. If someone comes down on me for a shortcoming, I don't take it personally. Just because a Soldier makes a mistake and you have to come down on him/her pretty hard, that doesn't make them a bad soldier. As a result, I have always had top performers. Not only have my mentors taught the right things to do, they set the appropriate examples to follow. That, in turn, has made me set good examples as often as I can and own up to mistakes. Good mentorship by confident, competent leaders that can show compassion and humility is a must for our uniformed service to continue to succeed. There are some less that stellar leaders out there, but it is my hope that those of us who really care and want to make a difference will make that difference. Your soldiers are always watching, even when you'd rather they wouldn't. So it's always good to do it right the first time and if you step on your crank, own up to it.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 6 at 2014 10:59 PM

2014-02-06T22:59:39-05:00

Their hindsight became my foresight...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 6:01 PM

2014-02-07T18:01:21-05:00

When I first enlisted, u had a team leader who was a great mentor and shaped the future of my career.

However since then, mentoring has been very much so missing. I've even asked some senior NCOs for some mentoring type advice, but never received any feedback.

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Mar 11 at 2014 12:37 PM

2014-03-11T12:37:58-04:00

I was kind of hoping that you would have gotten some answers to your questions by now. I have been in for 19 years and I am still trying to figure it out. There have been numerous times where having a mentor would have come in handy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 5:20 PM

2014-03-11T17:20:20-04:00

Your mentor can be anyone, and that individual does not need to be in
the military. There is a difference between the Mentor, Rater, and
Counselor (see ADRP 6-22 for the book definition). If your unit doesn't provide a mentor for you or you don't like the one you have, then choose someone else to help you out. Your mentor should be someone you trust, can go to for advice, and they should be reliable. It can be a peer, former coworker, your spouse, etc.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 11 at 2014 5:28 PM

2014-03-11T17:28:35-04:00

Could be a one time meeting, maybe never, or in other cases daily contact. We have mentors in every aspect of life I think. I had some at flight school I never saw again, then I had folks that were of senior rank, experience and age. I have had a mentor in officer ship and another in flying. There are levels and stages of a mentor. I could go into a lot more as I am passionate about mentorship in the warrant officer corps trying to shake the stigma of lazy spoiled pilots who do not Soldier.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 1:27 AM

2014-03-23T01:27:54-04:00

Seems to me, that's what networking is all about... mentorship. The key is to soar with the eagles and not let the buzzards lead you to road kill. My mentorship started at a young age of 10 when I first joined the Church, carried on at the age of 13 when I joined the Fraternal Organization... DeMolay, switched gears when I joined John Lee's White Leopard School of Kung Fu at 17. From there it intensified when I joined the Masons at 25, then really kicked into gear at the age of 28 when I became a boot in the USArmy... then it was through VA counseling and now I am finding mentors here at Rally Point. Mentors are everywhere. Hope the really good ones stick around... keep the fire burning.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 1:51 AM

2014-03-23T01:51:59-04:00

I had two of the greatest mentors as a junior Soldier Fresh out of basic training and into NTC then Afghanistan. Their leadership gave me the guidance and motivation to go as far as I have come. They always set the example by always assuring we was taking care of and presented the image of the standard and nothing less. They were never afraid to get down and dirty on details with their Soldiers, and help in things like maintenance and other stuff when they had the time. Looking back on when I was a private to now, I still thank these two leaders for shaping me into a great leader and giving me the tools needed to pass down to my Soldiers. Because or the mentorship I received, I stayed out of trouble and always strived to be reach that potential and beyond. I still keep in contact with them and still try to get advice on this very day. SSG Lawton & SFC Hughbanks; two of the greatest leaders I've had the pleasure of working under.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 1:59 AM

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An elderly African-American NCO help me understand the need to appreciate detail. This is a team thing and doing the right thing saves lives. In the long MSgt Lewis was spot on. Discipline shapes us and gives us the capacity for learned decisions and not expedient and lazy presumptions.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 10:48 PM

2014-04-09T22:48:44-04:00

I am full-time now, but I started as a Drill Status Guardsmen, first enlisted, later as an officer. When I was Second Lieutenant I was work at an insurance company and I was part of a four-year, multi-rotational leadership development program. During my first year, I was assigned a "Peer Mentor", someone that was a year ahead of me in the program that introduced me to people, showed me around the facilities, became my primary POC during orientation, and basically acted a social mooring during my first year. When I was in my second year, I was assigned a manager-level mentor. It was someone who was in a supervisory position that was not a student and managed 5-10 people. During my third year, I was assigned a director level mentor who was outside my food chain and was very senior. We discussed career goals, education, cross training options, questions, comments, issues, etc. And when I was about to graduate, the company hosted a cocktail party between "third years" and second vice presidents where the sole purpose was to create the environment where mentor and mentee could find each other. The Air Force teaches us that your immediate supervisor is charged with mentoring you. That is formal mentoring, as were my other examples, except for the last one. Travelers recognized that forced mentoring relationships, formal or informal, only work in the short run, hence the cocktail party with VPs for "fourth years." They facilitated the opportunity for people to find others of like mind because by choosing each other, you increase the chances of building a relationship of interdependence, and thereby potentially achieve true growth where 2 + 2 = more than 4. Additionally, corporate America can focus on identifying high performers or high potential employees and give them additional training resources whenever they want. This ends up looking like pre-selection in the military unless everyone goes through the same process. Military Mentoring is a very complicated endeavor. Direct chain of command is okay...but I think any more than that is a challenge in this environment. The most successful mentoring is when people choose each other, and when they are not equal rank, or in the same squadron, or not, there can perceptions of favoritism, unprofessional relationships, etc. No matter what, in the military we need to remain professional, especially with our relationships within our chain of command, in order to accomplish the mission. Just my two cents.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 10:20 AM

2014-04-10T10:20:24-04:00

Sir-
I absolutely believe in mentorship- without some amazing senior leaders looking out for me as an LT- I know for a fact I would not be where I am today. Many of my mentors are still in the Army today and are never too busy for an email or phone call and they certainly help provide perspective when I can't see the forest through the trees. I've tried to return that kindness and professionalism in ways that I can.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:06 PM

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Sir,

To be frank and upfront what mentorship? I think that this is severely lacking in the military today from what I have seen in my nine years. I have only been counseled twice in my career (both being initial counselings). I have never received a counseling to talk about my evaluation but rather sit down and hey look at this (if I was not made to write my own). My friend put it best as "if they are not yelling at you or bothering you then keep it up you are doing a good job".

Now being the kind of person I am I sought out mentorship outside my chain of command and that advise has been priceless. I sought out a SGM and a MAJ when I was a LT to get perspectives from both enlisted and officer side of the house. One could "keep me real" and grounded. The other help set me up for success as an officer. I have taken that approach with my company as I now of five LTs under me and I have given them initial counselings, developmental counselings, and support form counselings upfront. I am utilizing the developmental counselings to see where they think that they need and want to grow. I also use informal counselings by just talking to them (a lost art if you ask me) and I get ideas from these conversations. I have given tasks such as writing an OPORD to give them practice and then tell them what I feel was good and what needed improvement and why. The importance is why so they can know where they need to improve and work on in the future. Their evaluation is the wrong time to find out. If you know what they need to fix do it on the spot if you can. We are here to get the mission done, but also to prepare them to take our place so when we move on someone can carry the touch.

When I got into the Army I was shocked by how much ROTC did not teach me and how much OBC did not teach me and now how much CCC did not teach me. You have to teach yourself. But if you have to go learn it because you weren't taught, chances are so will your subordinates. Pass that information down and build them into better Soldiers and leaders. Allow them chances to fail and learn. But most importantly hold them accountable. If you do not they will keep doing same thing and get promoted and get set in their ways and keep on getting promoted and make life miserable for those under them.

Just my two cents, Sir.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 26 at 2014 6:54 PM

2014-04-26T18:54:01-04:00

I can't really sat it had an impact. Every mentor I ever had in the Navy, either died or was arrested. None of them were my fault, by the way

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-05-06T12:35:05-04:00

I am who I am due to mentorship, great, okay, and bad. All have impacted me and shaped me into the leader I am today. I practice and enforce my Sgt's and Cpl's to play an positive influential role in their Marine's lives.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 10:33 PM

2014-05-10T22:33:26-04:00

As a 4 year enlistee, I came to my first base as a "Slick" sleeve or a "Fuzzy" for Army lingo. Being in my career field I was fortunate enough to be placed back into a CSS or "orderly room" before they officially came back. My office mate is a retired SMSgt. The wisdom and guidance he has offered me is priceless and has saved me in some cases. I work for an amazing CMSgt that has helped and guided me along the way as well. I'm lucky being in my position that I get face time with a Chief on a daily basis that most working in the squadrons don't. I have met others in the office that I go to for guidance. I have grown so much in my 2 years. Mentorship has played a huge role and continues to everyday. I work to pass it along to my peers best I can and motivate them, as anyone should.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 11 at 2014 11:51 AM

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Sir - there is absolutely no way I would be staring at a CSM billet were it not for the mentorship and career advice I got along the way. In like turn, I want to believe I've provided sound advice to those of my subordinates who asked. Along the way, I've found a few "Golden Rules" that seem to work:

1. Chemistry and trust are key. You need both. Otherwise, mentoring is a waste of time. While I'm on the subject - be selective in who you choose as a mentor or who you choose to counsel. Sad to say, some people are lost in the sauce. Be careful you don't get sucked into the same vortex. Save the ones worth the effort.

2. Get to the point - either with your question or the reply. People want answers, not a lecture.

3. Confidentiality - it's implied, but if you need to confront or consult a third party, you'd better be cleared hot to do so.

4. Think from the other person's point of view - whether it's the person you're counseling or the person doing the counseling. Some people find it difficult to trust others, having been burned in the past. Other people want to "gangplank" (i.e. I got mine, to hell with yours).

4a. While I'm on the subject - exercise care in who you mentor and who mentors you. The further up in rank you proceed, the politics get hot and heavy.

5. Two words that are absolute money - "THANK YOU" express your appreciation either for the trust and confidence somebody placed in you, or the time somebody expended on your behalf.

I really intended this response to be short, but it's something near and dear to my heart, and if anyone can benefit...hey, that's what I do.

This is as good a place as any to name names:
CSM Anthony V. Savino
CSM Vincent Tassone
CSM Todd Kaiser
SGM Caterina G. Veronesi
1SG Ronald J. Fuller, Jr.
1SG Robert Young
1SG Roger A. Gullo
1SG Karl Hanson
MSC Mike Wade
SFC Paul H. Bourque
SSG Nicholas Perrefort

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 21 at 2014 11:51 AM

2014-05-21T11:51:43-04:00

I share the opinion from some of my colleagues that mentorship, as a rule and "mandatory" undertaking, has kind of fallen by the wayside. Is it out there yes. is it practiced by all on both the O & E sides, no. Save for a few O's, my mentors were mainly my NCOs. They didn't want to bite a bullet so they made damn sure I was going to lead them down that path. Thank you to all of them!!

I had a few great WOs mentors who were awesome from the mechanics & technology points of view.

I think my last Officer Mentor, outside my Unit was LTC Bruce Adams, Signal Officer extraordinaire during OIF! He was TF-134's S-6, our higher HQ. I've always been the SIGO/CESO/S-6 and this was one of those rare times I had a senior signal officer almost all to myself. A fine individual.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 21 at 2014 1:41 PM

2014-05-21T13:41:34-04:00

Anyone that influences another in a positive way is a mentor. There are many on here that are mentors and do not even realize they are mentoring.

I have heard officers on here say that the senior enlisted are mentors, especially to junior officers and commanders.

Mentoring in the military goes in all directions. NCO's should be mentors to those below them.

I do think that if there is a service member that is struggling then it is up to that person's peers and leadership to take them under their wing and teach and challenge them.

With all that being said, there is a small percentage who do not take to mentoring too well. Attitude and pride is a huge challenge for the mentor and the one being mentored.

I do not know if any of the branches offer mentoring training. If they don't it would be an awesome asset to any leader in the service however low or high their rank is.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 21 at 2014 9:22 PM

2014-05-21T21:22:47-04:00

Some of my greatest mentors have been leaders I absolutely despised so one might call it indirect mentoring but its still mentoring. I learned how not to treat soldiers and subordinate leaders. I have learned that a soldiers are different, some operate at different speeds and learn and understand things different, and that I would treat every soldier as an individual when it comes to one on one interaction.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 5:46 PM

2014-05-31T17:46:47-04:00

Here's a great resource for up-and-coming leaders, provided courtesy of 1SG Steven Stankovich: http://www.themilitaryleader.com/

Check out the original RP discussion here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/the-military-leader-resources-and-insights-for-developing-leaders

The Military Leader

Resources and Insight for Developing Leaders

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 6 at 2017 9:16 AM

2017-03-06T09:16:35-05:00

Built into Air Force Enlisted training there had been what was referred to as an OJT Trainer, this was one on one with a more experienced person in Your duty section to guide You through the paces. You worked with Him, He evaluated You on job tasks. At the entry skill level 3 You were classified as semi skilled, and not capable of working on Your own until reaching the 5 level, skilled worked. This was also monitored by a Supervisor and tracked on Your training record by the training section of the unit. Also to arrive at the 5 level included closed book written exams. a SKT, Specialty Knowledge test. To prepare for that were textbooks and exercise booklet in question and answer format where You had to find the text to find the proper answer. It has always worked very well. I know at one point I attended a USAF OJT Trainer Supervisor Course to train Me how to oversee this type of upgrade training program. lot of the USAF training methods were even adopted by outside business and industry and even colleges because they worked well. Throughout Your career there were upgrades in Skill levels up to level 7, Supervisor and level 9 Superintendent and training never stopped. These upgrades in skill level were on You AFSC, Air Force Specialty Code or what other service may call an MOS, Military Occupational Specialty.