Feb. 14, 2018 Guidance, support play role in mentoring dynamics WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- I have had several mentors during various stages of my career, and because of my own experiences I know it is important to have a mentor and to be a mentor. The purpose of a mentor is not to tell someone what to do or how to do it, but to provide a supportive
Feb. 12, 2018 Mentoring: A mentality, not a meeting WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- We tend to think of the formal mentoring session as that special, dedicated time where all the secrets to professional success and development are unlocked. We come to the mentoring meeting well-prepared with questions in hand and pen and paper at the ready
Jan. 30, 2018 Mentoring: Making a difference When I was a student at National War College, I had the privilege to lead a group of 30 senior leaders to mentor youth weekly at an elementary school in downtown Washington, D.C. It was a great experience as we tackled math, science, and reading. However, what was more significant was the mentoring
Jan. 12, 2018 The mentors around us It is truly an honor to serve the Airmen of Air Force Materiel Command as your command chief. Every day I witness incredible things that our Airmen are doing for our command, our Air Force, and our nation. As I travel and engage with our Airmen, mentorship is a topic that often comes up. It’s a
Jan. 11, 2018 Combat planning and mentoring? Really! Outside, the temperature was hovering around 100 degrees and the concrete scintillated under the noon sun. Inside the state-of-the-art hardened aircraft shelters, maintainers steadfastly ensured the aircraft was clear of all discrepancies from the previous day’s combat. Across the flight line, bombs
Jan. 11, 2018 The guiding principles of mentorship WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As a senior leader, I am routinely asked to “mentor” acquisition professionals, and I am always honored to provide advice and “pay it forward.” Below are some guiding principles I use when mentoring others. These guidelines are for folks who are mentoring
Jan. 11, 2018 Viewpoints: Mentors can help shape career outlook, resiliency My mom was the first woman to go to college in the family, and I’m fortunate enough to be the first generation able to set a course for my career, rather than having the course set by the circumstances. It can be a little challenging, not having family members to ask for career-specific guidance.
Jan. 11, 2018 Viewpoints: All because of my mentors The words, ‘U.S. Air Force’ are sewn into my jacket that I wear every day, because of my mentors. Each stage of life requires role models to help you along the way, and it is no different in the professional world. In 8th grade, I went to Colorado on a family vacation, and my parents took me to see
Jan. 11, 2018 Viewpoints: New environment brings chances for career collaboration, mentoring When I started my career as a Palace Acquire intern in the Human Resources field, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My first day -- more realistically my first couple of months -- was a culture shock. I knew nothing about the federal civilian world or military protocols and procedures.
Jan. 11, 2018 Viewpoints: Mentors provide guidance, expectations amid new Air Force experiences I started with the Air Force as a Palace Acquire intern roughly 18 months ago. Adjusting to the Air Force culture has been exciting, but challenging. There is so much to learn and remember, such as the many protocols, the vast number of acronyms, and even just navigating the two areas that make up