Buckley introduces speed mentoring program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Air Force master sergeants seeking mentorship sat down with several chief master sergeants at Buckley's first-ever speed mentoring event Aug. 15 at the Buckley Leadership Development Center.

The 14 mentors and mentees discussed a variety of career-development topics during the mentoring session. Each master sergeant was allotted a five- to seven-minute, one-on-one session with each mentor during the event. During those sessions, topics included personal and professional development, special duties, promotion, and leadership.

"Most of the discussions I had were about how to be a better leader and how to hit the right marks to progress your career," said Master Sgt. Heather, 566th Intelligence Squadron.

The mentoring session was a test run, with more speed mentoring opportunities expected to be organized for Airmen, NCOs and senior NCOs.

"Speed mentoring is where you take quick, individualized mentoring sessions and you get a perspective from a senior leader on where to go with your career," said Master Sgt. Katie Neeley, the event coordinator.

Although speed mentoring is a new concept for Buckley, the idea has been tried at other bases.

"I participated in speed mentoring at my previous base. When I got here, I brought the concept up to the Top Three organization; they liked it, and we went with it," Neeley said.

The event provided master sergeants the opportunity to speak with chiefs from a variety of career fields. The chiefs represented a blend of components that included active-duty, Guard and Reserve.

"I think this is great for mentorship, especially to us chiefs; it's our obligation to mentor the next group of Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Danny Doucette, Air Reserve Personnel Center, and one of several mentors. "There is a lot of young, new talent coming up, and I'm very impressed with it."

 

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