Reverse mentoring:
178th Wing senior leaders gain insight
into younger generations by taking time to listen
Story by Airman 1st Class Rachel Simones, 178th Wing Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Curt Rodgers (right), of the 178th Operations Group, discusses issues with junior Airmen during a reverse mentoring event recently at Springfield Air National Guard Base in Springfield, Ohio. The event was aimed at getting younger Airmen to communicate their values and insight to senior leadership while creating more cohesiveness within the wing. (Master Sgt. Seth Skidmore, ONG)
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (11/06/16) — The 178th Wing 20/20 Sabers Council recently hosted a reverse mentoring event aimed at getting younger Airmen to communicate their values and insight to senior leadership while creating more cohesiveness within the unit.
“By using this style of mentoring, we hope to provide a bridge-builder between our generations; improving overall communication, balance and trust within the wing,” said Master Sgt. Andrea Fisher. “It’s all about sharing thoughts, raising questions and gaining understanding of each other.”
During the event, Airmen separated into five groups, with a group chief and a group commander present at each table. Student flight members, a group of recruits who have sworn an oath to serve but are awaiting basic military training, also participated in the mentoring event to provide the millennial perspective.
“We hope that this event will help us senior leaders to better understand and communicate with the younger group of Airmen,” said Col. John Knabel, 178th Wing commander.
Topics discussed among the groups included the importance of technology, communication and retention.
“We've been given the chance to show the more experienced people in our career field what we think,” said Adam Mays, a member of the 178th Wing Student Flight. “It's admirable that our leadership tries to reach out to even the lowest among us to better relate to what we're feeling.”
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