JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
At some point, every Airman will need to accept the fact that they are no longer the new person in the Air Force. If you are reading this, then you have been in the Air Force long enough to make that change and can provide vital information to new people that arrive to your unit.
It is important for supervisors to ensure the first impression of Joint Base Charleston is the best possible. A part of that includes eliminating distractions for the new inbound. Questionnaires and forms should have been mailed out in advance to eliminate distractions from the real purpose of the first day on the job which is, getting to know everyone and their way around the office. It will be important for a training buddy to be assigned and for that training buddy to be fully prepared for the responsibility. This person will need to explain everything from working hours to where various base facilities are located. The training buddy will need to place emphasis on the concept of courageous networking as this is a skill that will expedite the time for the new Airmen to achieve full proficiency.
Courageous networking means not being afraid to admit when you need help or have a question. People that are quick to seek assistance from their peers will become proficient quicker. Additionally, it is important for the new Airman to achieve success quickly and to not make any mistakes. Therefore, the buddy will be there to ensure that the new person is successful. This process of mentoring should continue throughout the person's career and modified to ensure continual growth.
Next, a training or development plan will need to be established. A development plan is the best way for everyone to understand individual strengths and weaknesses. When people can see a career path for them to follow and feel supported from their new team, they will feel valued. It is important for leadership to keep everyone informed of expectations as well as specific measures of performance to enable individuals to track their progress.
Finally, the follow-up is just as important to a new Airman's success as the initial meet and greet. Routine status of training meetings will need to take place to ensure continued progress and eliminate potential problems. The goal is to create a cohesive work environment where people constantly network. The result will be quicker upgrades in proficiency, job satisfaction and improved retention.