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Don't Ask for a Mentor- Ask for Advice !
Mentorship is the voluntary developmental relationship the exists between a person of greater experience and a person of lessor experience that is characterized by mutual trust and respect. (AR 600-100)
There is no predetermined manner in which one enters into a Mentor-Mentee relationship. You generally do not ask for mentorship, it is a natural unspoken expansion of an existing relationship. Mentorship is a very personal and voluntary evolution based on trust and chemistry. This generally starts with the less experienced member asking for simple advice (Personal or Professional). If the advice given is "Not Awesome" the less experienced person will likely not return for future help. Similarly, if the more experienced person doesn't see potential or feels there are ulterior motives he or she will walk away. However, once a mentorship begins there are three communication decisions to make: Frequency, Medium, and Topics. The needs of the mentee and the maturity of the relationship determines the frequency of interaction. In our experience, the amount of mentorship increases and decreases constantly over time. A pattern also develops on the type of communication (Face to Face/ Phone/ Written). The most effective and efficient method for both parties is critical as their lives and geographic location change. The topics of conversation are limitless, but finding common ground that aligns with the mentor's expertise and the mentee's need is critical to the relationship's growth. Having participated in the mentor/mentee selection and method of communication process no less than 30 times, one thing remained constant in each process. Never have the following words been spoken, "Will you be my mentor?" Each started with someone asking for advice!
Mentorship is the voluntary developmental relationship the exists between a person of greater experience and a person of lessor experience that is characterized by mutual trust and respect. (AR 600-100)
There is no predetermined manner in which one enters into a Mentor-Mentee relationship. You generally do not ask for mentorship, it is a natural unspoken expansion of an existing relationship. Mentorship is a very personal and voluntary evolution based on trust and chemistry. This generally starts with the less experienced member asking for simple advice (Personal or Professional). If the advice given is "Not Awesome" the less experienced person will likely not return for future help. Similarly, if the more experienced person doesn't see potential or feels there are ulterior motives he or she will walk away. However, once a mentorship begins there are three communication decisions to make: Frequency, Medium, and Topics. The needs of the mentee and the maturity of the relationship determines the frequency of interaction. In our experience, the amount of mentorship increases and decreases constantly over time. A pattern also develops on the type of communication (Face to Face/ Phone/ Written). The most effective and efficient method for both parties is critical as their lives and geographic location change. The topics of conversation are limitless, but finding common ground that aligns with the mentor's expertise and the mentee's need is critical to the relationship's growth. Having participated in the mentor/mentee selection and method of communication process no less than 30 times, one thing remained constant in each process. Never have the following words been spoken, "Will you be my mentor?" Each started with someone asking for advice!
Mentorship
Mentor
Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 26
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he brought me into the company, watched me for a few months asked if if I was going F or M and when I said F, the game was on. He is still a very close friend 16 years later.
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1stSgt (Join to see)
F = 1st Sgt
M = MSgt
There's nothing derogatory about the term top. In the Marine Corps we just use it solely for Master Sergeants. Sergeants Major and 1st Sergeants referred to by thier rank. MGySgt's are referred to as Master Gunny or Master Gunz or MGySgt.
M = MSgt
There's nothing derogatory about the term top. In the Marine Corps we just use it solely for Master Sergeants. Sergeants Major and 1st Sergeants referred to by thier rank. MGySgt's are referred to as Master Gunny or Master Gunz or MGySgt.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
1stSgt (Join to see) , thank you for the clarity at this time in the evening. Were you a San Diego Marine? Today I met a Chosin Marine, D, 5th ? Doing well on his way to the cardiologist.
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1stSgt (Join to see)
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 Yes. Get ready for it. I spent my entire 23 year career in San Diego County. As a grunt, I transferred from one 03xx (Infantry) billet to another, between MarBks, NAS NI to Camp Pendleton to MCRD SD. I actually bought a house in Oceanside as a newly promoted Sgt.
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I don't know how you really ask to be mentored I think it just kind of happens when someone sees potential in you and takes you under their wing.
I know when I got stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) they were trying to implement assigned mentors, the problem is that they would assign one of the senior petty officers to one of the new junior sailors and then the new junior sailor is assigned to a different watch section than the mentor so the relationship breaks down because you have a mentor and the person being mentored on different schedules.
I know during that 2 year time period many people didn't like the idea of being saddled with a new kid and having to teach them the ropes, it was more of a duty than something they wanted to do.
I know when I got stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) they were trying to implement assigned mentors, the problem is that they would assign one of the senior petty officers to one of the new junior sailors and then the new junior sailor is assigned to a different watch section than the mentor so the relationship breaks down because you have a mentor and the person being mentored on different schedules.
I know during that 2 year time period many people didn't like the idea of being saddled with a new kid and having to teach them the ropes, it was more of a duty than something they wanted to do.
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COL (Join to see) Colonel, my belief is that the most effective mentors quietly appear as Angels from Heaven when the realization of a personal similarity occurs.
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Didn't the Army have a web based program to where you could have a mentor and converse with them via the website?
I think one of the biggest challenges I have seen is Mentorship in the National Guard. So often we have an extremely tight timeline and have few opportunities if any to ask or offer advice. I know we still have time when we are preparing for drill weekend. We still have do what we can but I think the active side have much more of an advantage in this.
I think one of the biggest challenges I have seen is Mentorship in the National Guard. So often we have an extremely tight timeline and have few opportunities if any to ask or offer advice. I know we still have time when we are preparing for drill weekend. We still have do what we can but I think the active side have much more of an advantage in this.
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
Sir, the link is an initial link, the CAC enabled one is at the bottom of the page, as I have been registered there for about a decade, I have received questions from it for flight school applicants and other folks seeking mentorship.
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_Page/Army_Mentorship_Program.html?serv=147
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_Page/Army_Mentorship_Program.html?serv=147
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"How do you get a Mentor?"
You don't, the Mentor gets you.
Sometimes that is an extension of you asking for advice (or just being given it)
Sometimes it is the Mentor approaching you making you aware they are open to, available for advice, discussion, or yes mentor ship. It;s not so much a formal arraignment but a condition that builds and simple is.
You don't, the Mentor gets you.
Sometimes that is an extension of you asking for advice (or just being given it)
Sometimes it is the Mentor approaching you making you aware they are open to, available for advice, discussion, or yes mentor ship. It;s not so much a formal arraignment but a condition that builds and simple is.
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In many modern corporations you do actually ask for a Mentor. Your manager (a coach) typically can not serve both roles as mentor and coach. Many HR departments have mentorship programs where senior executives offer to mentor and managers and junior executives solicit for a mutually acceptable assignment. Mentoring is usually (or should be) rewarding for both parties.
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In my humble opinion, it all starts with "The only stupid question, is the one not asked"((although some come close..lol))... Don't be afraid to ask a Question, based on the perception of "how stupid it might be".. after initial chuckles aside.. you may find a great Mentor/Helper to get you on the correct path..
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With any luck, you find one early in your career that cares enough about you to take you under their wing when you ask for advice or assistance. I was not so lucky... I sought advice and was "ISSUED" a mentor... That went over like a fart in church...
All I can say is this, find someone that you trust, that has the qualities of a GOOD leader that you want to emulate, and someone that is willing to take the time to coach, teach, and mentor you through the learning process of becoming the leader you can be.
Once that happens, remember too pass on everything good that you learned.
All I can say is this, find someone that you trust, that has the qualities of a GOOD leader that you want to emulate, and someone that is willing to take the time to coach, teach, and mentor you through the learning process of becoming the leader you can be.
Once that happens, remember too pass on everything good that you learned.
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