The CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center is tasked with providing acquisition and sustainment support for our Soldiers in the field. It also has an internal responsibility to hone skill sets and develop future leaders for its own center and beyond. Seizing on this concept, the ILSC highly encourages junior members of its workforce to engage with a mentor to ensure that they will be able to realize their full potential and lay the groundwork for successful careers in support of the Warfighter. With the ILSC HQ Mission Resources Division Professional Development and Performance Management Branch spearheading this effort, ILSC mentors have recently undergone expanded training to better meet the needs of the center’s mentee contingent.
Perhaps no one is a greater mentoring champion than ILSC Executive Director Nicole D. Osaghae. Earlier in her career, she was paired with a mentor who took the time to understand her strengths, interests, and aspirations, which set her up for success. Osaghae credits this experience as being a turning point in her career and is in full support of anyone in her organization who embraces the mentor/mentee relationship. “I learned how to manage team dynamics, negotiate with stakeholders, and deliver results under pressure. These skills have since become integral to my professional toolkit,” Osaghae said.
Successful mentors support growth, serve as a source of knowledge, and emphasize accountability as they set goals and expectations. Simultaneously, the mentees on the receiving end of this guidance must bring a positive attitude, practice accepting constructive feedback, and make an effort to establish and maintain a two-way flow of communication. When these parameters are met, the result is a healthier work environment, higher-performing employees, and the potential for the cycle to repeat when mentees become mentors. “Being a mentee shapes the mentor within you; the lessons you learn become the advice you pass on to others,” PDPM Branch Chief Josh Passwater said.
Mentorship in general relies on several key pillars that define its success. First, by sharing knowledge and experience between mentors and mentees, the whole organization grows stronger. New perspectives can be gained and the learning process accelerated by taking advantage of the natural curiosity and learning potential of those new to an organization. The intrinsically rewarding nature of helping others is also a benefit, as it makes for more well-rounded individuals serving in leadership positions. It paves the way for future success and sustainability.
Mr. Steven Sannella, a U.S. Army veteran who now works as a Department of the Army Civilian at ILSC HQ, has dedicated much of his time to promoting the overall concept of mentoring at the ILSC. "The benefits of mentorship are shared by all participants," Sannella said. "Helping people realize their true potential is one of the most profound acts we can do in any setting. The partnerships we forge through this endeavor can endure for a lifetime,” Sannella said.
Whether at the ILSC or any other organization, lessons learned early on and meaningful interpersonal connections will serve any promising professional well throughout their journey. Reflecting on her own time as a mentee, Osaghae said “For me, it continues to serve as a reminder of the lasting impact that a supportive and insightful mentor can have.” For Ms. Osaghae and many others, buying into the mentorship dynamic led to a lasting sense of confidence and self-assurance, a mentality that is a strong driver at the ILSC.
Inspired by examples such as Executive Director Osaghae, the ILSC is making gains with its workforce to open doors both internally and elsewhere. Mentorship has proven to be a worthwhile investment in the human capital that propels the organization as the ILSC focuses on how it can best prepare to support the Army of 2030.
Social Sharing