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I was asked early on in my sales career whether I was a Leader or a Follower. I really had to think about that until I came up with the best answer I could give: "I am a follower, learning from the Leaders, and will Lead when needed".
When I first transferred into my unit, I was asked to move into an open Squad Leader position. With this came the responsibility of mentoring the soldiers in my squad. I didn't think this was going to be a difficult task as I have done this in the private sector with jobs I've had in the past. Mentoring new sales reps coming onboard, training my peers on how to successfully sell products I've had success selling, etc...but this was a bit different.
Not only are you responsible for their well being and safety, but they also look to you for answers to all of their questions. They come to you with questions about their futures in the military, guidance on training and careers and I even find myself being asked for guidance from one of them on their personal lives. As a new Squad Leader, I didn't have all of the answers. But being able to recognize that and know that I have a mentor as well, I have found this position a tremendous learning experience. Learning from my mentor, a 1SG, as well as learning from my own Squad. I have found this has also positively changed the way I work with others in my private sector job. It has helped me transfer from that Follower to a Leader, but one who continues to follow from my mentors and Lead based on mine and their experiences.
So my question to all of you is this: Have you had a really great mentor and how has that shaped you today?
When I first transferred into my unit, I was asked to move into an open Squad Leader position. With this came the responsibility of mentoring the soldiers in my squad. I didn't think this was going to be a difficult task as I have done this in the private sector with jobs I've had in the past. Mentoring new sales reps coming onboard, training my peers on how to successfully sell products I've had success selling, etc...but this was a bit different.
Not only are you responsible for their well being and safety, but they also look to you for answers to all of their questions. They come to you with questions about their futures in the military, guidance on training and careers and I even find myself being asked for guidance from one of them on their personal lives. As a new Squad Leader, I didn't have all of the answers. But being able to recognize that and know that I have a mentor as well, I have found this position a tremendous learning experience. Learning from my mentor, a 1SG, as well as learning from my own Squad. I have found this has also positively changed the way I work with others in my private sector job. It has helped me transfer from that Follower to a Leader, but one who continues to follow from my mentors and Lead based on mine and their experiences.
So my question to all of you is this: Have you had a really great mentor and how has that shaped you today?
Mentorship
Training
Leadership
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 4
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I had to go seek mentors outside my chain of command throughout my career. I think that is the best idea so you feel that you can ask anything without being judged or wondering if it will end up in your next counseling or evaluation. I had a really great enlisted mentor and a really great officer mentor. This allowed me to see point of views from both sides of the house. Unfortunately you PCS and move away from them and are in contact less and less.
I try to be a good mentor and pass down what I have learned so that they can see my mistakes and have the information that I did not when I was in their shoes or where they are going.
I try to be a good mentor and pass down what I have learned so that they can see my mistakes and have the information that I did not when I was in their shoes or where they are going.
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There's an old saying, SGT Matthew M., that good followers make good leaders. I'm a huge believer in that. I don't think the blowhard know-it-all who is never willing to listen or learn is a good leader. Unfortunately, those folks sometimes fill leadership positions.
Mentoring / leading takes a lot of time and effort, doesn't it? The troops' welfare and what they learn take priority over one's own agenda. And you have to fit the mission in there somewhere as well.
I have been a mentor in the past, and I probably still am to a certain extent. I'm always ready to help and share what I know, and I NEVER play the "knowledge is power" game.
Mentoring / leading takes a lot of time and effort, doesn't it? The troops' welfare and what they learn take priority over one's own agenda. And you have to fit the mission in there somewhere as well.
I have been a mentor in the past, and I probably still am to a certain extent. I'm always ready to help and share what I know, and I NEVER play the "knowledge is power" game.
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Great question! I have had a few good mentors. They have led me to the position where I sit today. I am fortunate to have over 40 warriors that I lead on a daily basis. I am proud to report that out of the 40+ warriors 39 of them have obtained their CCAF degrees and I had a huge impact on that. I promote education so much that when I talk to them they all tell me what part of the process they are in working towards their BA and MBA. There are a few that want to go the officer route and I have the ability and knowledge to help them accomplish their goals. When I was younger I went through the same process only to find out I was too old and the AF was not offering waivers, all good though because I can help others to get there. By accomplishing my MBA I also lead by example so I'm not pushing something into my warriors something that I myself am not willing to do. All my folks are competative for higher positions and when they come available I have made the competition so steep that leadership has to hold a board for every position from E-5 to E-8. I think that speaks volumes of the type of leadership that I provide and it all goes back to the leaders that were before me. You have to be an exceptional follower if you want to be an exceptional leader someday!
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