Colonel Candid

Photo by  Christina @ wocintechchat.com  on  Unsplash The Mentorship Blueprint Mentorship is not a foreign concept to those who succeed in national security career fields. Most people understand mentorship is important, and they likely have several types of mentors on whom they can count. To establish this lasting relationship requires an individualized approach because each relationship is unique. What is required to create a unique relationship is not foreign, and this document serves to outline the best method to map out mentorship approaches and goals. Tried and true methods are gathered here to guide and develop the mentorship relationship, to help ensure it remains on course and productive with both quantitative and qualitative results.   Mentorship relationships begin with a sharing the mentor’s experience, a long iterative phase of discovery and development, and lastly, a mentee’s expansion in talents and skills. Following this blueprint, a men...

I’ve instructed online for several years now and due to current state of emergency for a growing number of cities, I’d advise parents begin to set up an environment for their student to succeed. Here are a couple of tips from Colonel Candid on how to get the most out of this online transitional experience. 1.       Connectivity is key. Ensure that online classes have the right passwords ahead of the live class. Work to test your connectivity. If this is new to you watch a YouTube video on the type of platform used by the school. There are plenty of tips on how to get the best out of whatever platform is chosen by your student or your own school. 2.       Remember this is a real class. The teachers and other students exist, even though you cannot see them. Additionally, the classroom, your room/living area, is full of new distractions. Remain disciplined and dedicated to setting strict study time. Show up and treat your online cla...

Have you ever had an idea that you so completely believe in that it subsumes you? That thing that keeps you up at night and sets your brain on fire? Here’s a chance to make it happen. To make this idea come into a reality you’ve got to work extremely hard with a knowledge of how to persuade others to your idea. Here are a couple of examples from Colonel Candid on how to get after turning your idea into a reality. To start off, take an assessment of who really can make this thing happen. Who is the big kahuna? Now, who influences that person? And again, what feeds those people? Are your ideas nested within a broader concept that needs shifting? You can look at what they read, listen to, and who they work with. Your research will pay off here. In the working world a great place to start is LinkedIn. What a golden tool of information! Use this along with your search engines to find out more information on your idea, on those who’ve gone before you and how to start to specifically tar...

There you are, rocking in your new gig, following MLK’s lead to “be all that you can be” and there’s someone preventing you from being your best self. Whether it’s the office gossip or the creepy person who just doesn’t get it, the problem is real. Whereas I wish you could experience work as just work and work in a culture who values you for what you offer, reality strikes. There are some places that just don’t have the best environment. Here are some examples and how to handle them, from Colonel Candid, who’s been there and done that. First scenario: The GOSSIP….wow oh wow, can this person talk. I mean they know everything about everyone. You begin by over hearing them speak in the break room or in the hallway. They always seem to have someone cornered. They’ll start talking about sports or entertainment and then nosedive into, “did you hear…” Yes, it’s that slippery slope that you want no part of. So, take it from me, a break is necessary every now and again but if you notice thi...

Congratulations! You've now just taken that first step into the working world. As much as it feels a little overwhelming, you're already moving in the right direction. Taking the first step really is the hardest part. Luckily, you've got a friend in me and I'm here to help. Over the years, I've had many opportunities to speak with individuals like yourself who are taking that initial step into their first role as a leader. While it is daunting, and it really is for everyone, it's also an opportunity for a great adventure. So, as Ghandi said, "Be the Change You Wish To See In The World." This is your opportunity to learn and grow. Luckily, we'll get to take that step together. One of the best gifts I ever received from the multiple leadership schools I've attended is the mindset that you carry a torch and can light the path for others. With that insight, I've worked to help mentor so many people at multiple stages in their careers and I...