Formal Mentoring in the U.S. Military: Research Evidence, Lingering Questions, and Recommendations

摘要

Mentoring is a developmental relationship in which a more experienced person serves as a guide, role model, teacher, and sponsor for a less experienced person-usually in the same organization. A mentor typically becomes invested in the career progression and development of the protege or mentee and often provides such essential functions as counsel, challenge, and support. At times, mentorships evolve into enduring friendships, even after the active phase of the relationship has ended. In the last several years, mentoring has become a hot topic among military leaders. The U.S. Army's field manual series now includes a specific publication on the development and effective conduct of mentorships with subordinates. In his 2003 'Guidance for the Navy,' the Chief of Naval Operations at that time, Admiral Vernon Clark, specified that mentoring sailors should be a preeminent focus of the Navy; Admiral Clark went so far as to direct that a mentor be assigned for every service member on active duty. In the last three years alone, formal mentoring programs and online e-mentoring matching services have proliferated within the armed forces.