LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
With the ring of the bell and the scurrying of feet, the latest speed mentoring session took off at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Dec. 7, 2012.
"Speed mentoring gives NCOs [non-commissioned officers] the opportunity to sit down, ask chiefs questions and get multiple perspectives," explained Chief Master Sgt. Karen Harris, Air Combat Command major command functional manager.
Modeled after speed dating, speed mentoring is a fairly new concept which focuses on quick-hit information, time-efficient networking and the methodical pursuit of a mentor. Hosted by the Langley Chief's Group, every NCO spends four minutes with each chief master sergeant.
"This isn't about us," said Harris. "It's about getting our Airmen to where we are."
NCOs are interacting with chiefs in order to find a potential mentor who can help them make the most of their U.S. Air Force career.
"I got some wonderful advice on how to progress in a career field," said Staff Sgt. Ebone Walker, 633rd Air Base Wing equal opportunity specialist. "I received advice on how to study, and how to present myself as a better NCO. That way my peers and those under me can look up to me, and I can be a respectful NCO - to help groom respectful Airmen and future NCOs in the Air Force."
By providing a location and having a structured system for Airmen to find their own mentors during a fast-paced event, speed mentoring solves a number of the disadvantages that come with formal mentoring sessions. With the many diverse chief master sergeants. participating in this event, receiving multiple perspectives is a given.
"Everyone has a different perspective," explains Walker. "Even though I asked some of the same questions, getting that different perspective helped with bouncing ideas where I can apply them to my role as an NCO and EO specialist - to be more effective here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis."