Our Detachment met, and conquered all the challenges, and obstacles, of a busy past few months. Thank you all for a job well done.
Mentoring, part of our heritage for many years, develops our detachment’s future leaders.
Reminisce back to all those who helped you, throughout your life, to achieve success. Remember the teacher in junior high school who helped you with math, or your varsity wrestling coach who worked with you to become the best. Or the times your parents helped you through tough periods in your life. They were mentoring you, providing assistance in a form of counseling to help you perform well, and assisting in your personal and professional growth. The same concept and principles apply to your detachment mentee.
The 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General John A. Lejeune said “Mentor is defined as a father to son, senior to junior, teacher to scholar relationship.”
A mentor should be trustworthy, approachable, and effective as a listener. If you have a member with shortfalls, take the time to listen to his or her problems. Strike the right balance of communication, and allow them to give you feedback on what is, and is not, working for them. Assist them with professional, and personal goals. Encourage them to make a difference by involvement in detachment projects.
Mentoring is a continuous process with a wide array of tools at your disposal. Emphasize the importance of teamwork, financial planning, health care, and community service.
With positive mentoring, we will have a detachment member with a whole lot of motivation, and esprit de corps.
Our 27th Commandant, General Barrow stated, “Mentoring is another arrow in the quiver of successful, concerned leaders to encourage and help their Marines.”
Semper Fidelis
Collin A. Cottrell, Commandant
