Base conducts first speed mentoring event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  NCOs and Senior NCOs had the opportunity of participating in the first ever speed mentoring event at Ellsworth Air Force Base, March 2, 2012.

"Speed mentoring is not speed dating," said Chief Master Sergeant Brian Lavoie, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "A mentor is somebody that stands for something and with this event we aim to provide the opportunity for mentor relationships to be established."

The opportunity was provided through a collegial, forum-like atmosphere where both NCOs and Senior NCOs could, in a quick and timely manner, establish rapport with each other with the intention of fostering the relationships.

Speed mentoring is both an efficient way to rapidly build one's Air Force network and a innovative way to "try-on" several different possible mentors. The event consisted of eight NCOs and twelve Senior NCOs all volunteering to take part in creating and developing mentoring relationships.

"I am very excited for this event," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Peterson, 28th Medical Group public health technician. "I am sincerely looking for a mentor."

Each participant was allotted three minutes with each potential mentor and two minutes for transitioning to another, giving a total of five minutes of getting to know each other and collecting information needed to make a mentorship opportunity happen.

"It's great. It's a fantastic event," said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Boyles, 28th Air Force Financial Services Center first sergeant. "It's going to make a great difference."

The speed mentoring event presented a means for NCOs and Senior NCOs to not only better themselves but also help better other Airmen overall. The NCO participants came away from the event meeting several Senior NCOs from many different career fields, new contacts willing to provide counsel, guidance and leadership advice.

"It was nice to get out of my career field and find out tips to be better yourself," said Tech Sgt. Shannon Thomas, 28th Medical Group public health technician. "I really enjoyed it and felt it was very effective."

This event may be just the beginning, as plans are in progress for an additional speed mentoring event focused on Airmen and NCOs, to take place in the near future.

"I'm excited about this," said Lavoie. "It will grow."