COMMENTARY>>Combat Airlift! Strong supervisors, mentors needed

By Chief Master Sgt.
Kevin Inskeep
19th Maintenance Group superintendent

What is the meaning of life?

Webster’s Dictionary defines life as: “the property or quality distinguishing living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as growth, metabolism, response to stimuli and reproduction.”

Several years ago as I worked as a young technical sergeant, I received an enormous amount of mentorship from my then-supervisor, now retired Master Sgt. Marty Weatherford. This wise ole master sergeant and mentor of mine defined life as: “that little dash between the numbers on your headstone.”

In the same token, the same can be said about one’s military career. How will you define your military service? “It’s that same little dash between your enlistment date and your separation or retirement date.”

The term “mentor” means different things to different people. When asked, some interpreters thought of a “mentor” as “a wise sage who dispenses pearls of wisdom;” or “someone that has something skill-wise that I like...” and who can teach.

Dictionaries define “mentor” as: a trusted teacher or counselor and a wise advisor and guide.

Using dictionary definitions once again, “mentorship” is a formalized relationship between a “professional adult” and a “student” established to enhance the student’s career via building skills and knowledge.

Many of you are currently serving in supervisory roles. Subordinates and at times, peers may approach you with very difficult and sometimes uncomfortable situations and problems. Are you qualified to handle these situations?

Your role as a mentor will revolve around your capabilities and qualities:

how well you assist in setting goals;

how well you provide practical advice and instruction;

your ability to bring out the best in people;

can you give fair, yet honest gentle feedback;

your calmness;

your positive and professional demeanor;

your patience;

and most importantly, your supportive attitude

Mentoring will jump-start careers and help the next generation of Airmen succeed more quickly. You will have to stay in a continuous learning mode. The ability to inspire people to reach greater heights of performance and success is a skill you have to master. You have to have passion, a since of purpose and listening skills. If you can master these skills, you will have the ability to be an inspirational leader.

Bottom line: you will have to stay abreast of the ever changing Air Force programs and career opportunities as well as many other things to be a good mentor.

Mentorship can be learned from just about anyone. It is, however, best to learn and emulate positive traits, practices and skills from someone who has had a great deal of practical experience and clear communication skills. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact to numerous careers of many airmen.

At the end of your career, you will remember three individuals: your military training instructor, your first supervisor and a chief master sergeant, all of which will have had an impact on your career, and all mentors. As a supervisor, what will you remember, the good about that individual or the bad? How will subordinates and peers remember you?

What will that little dash between your enlistment date and your separation or retirement date say about you? If you remember nothing else from this article, remember your people, take care of your people and they will take care of you.