Colonel Candid

Determination, Patience, and Perseverance are Key Finding Mentors in National Security and Defense: Determination, Patience, and Perseverance are Key Successfully finding your mentor in the national security field takes perseverance and effort. Courageously entering into the field takes herculean efforts to get a foot in the door and once established, growing within this arena takes meticulous skill, determination, and tenacity. Finding someone to help decode the system and who knows the processes is critical. To find the right mentor, whether internal or external to your agency takes work; you must be persistent. I am sharing with you steps used over my twenty years for finding the right fit and attributes to look for in a mentor. The right time to find a mentor is now. The current political, economic, and social environment matters not. Follow the example of great business that began during a depression or economic crises. For instance, UPS began during the panic of 1...

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...