The research shows that a key ingredient in professional growth is the ongoing coaching and job-embedded support of a mentor. But what constitutes a "good" mentor, and where do you find one, as a pilot/FI? I had an interesting conversation with an FI-in-training after the PD session who was very concerned with what constitutes mentorship material. Specifically, he wanted to know what the "right" number of hours was for someone to be considered an appropriate mentor, and whether someone with fewer hours but broader experience could in fact fill the role.
Vygotsky, in his work on moving learners forward through the "zone of proximal development", writes of the "More Knowledgeable Other", or MKO, as the person best eqipped to move the learner along. The MKO, he says, need not be
But is a person in the same age bracket and similar experience level -- even if you can learn from her -- really going to be an effective mentor?
In my experience, a mentor provides guidance, encouragement and wisdom of such a nature as can only be gained from considerably more experience than I myself have in a field. For example, I mentor a number of newer teachers who were former students of mine, as they have elected to stay in touch with me after they left my University classes and entered the profession. I am only slightly older than some of them, and in one case, I am somewhat younger. However, I have at least 10 000 hours more teaching experience than they do, and so I am able to provide insights into their dilemmas that come only with the depth and breadth of experience I have had.
On the other hand, one of these mentors has been a Christian a lot longer than I have, and has had the opportunity to reflect on what it means in the secular context. In this way, he sometimes mentors me as a newer Christian, even though we are similar in age.
And as far as teaching and education goes, although I mentor several less experienced teachers, I myself have two or three mentors I speak to on a regular basis about various things teaching-related. The learning is never done. And indeed, the more experience one gains, the more opportunities for meeting others with greater depth and breadth of experience, thankfully!
So.... where does a pilot find a mentor?
A naturally occuring relationship often offers the most effective type of rapport. A teacher, a friend of a friend you've met at a conference or class, a senior CFI at the school where you instruct... all of these people can make great mentors to the aspiring CFI or pilot.
My first principal, although retired for over three years now, continues to be one of my strongest mentors. We email or speak monthly, sometimes emailing back and forth several times a day to dissect various education related issues that arise. She enjoys the mental stimulous of thinking through the various facets of a problem or idea, and then explaining her thinking to me. And I enjoy the wisdom of her 35+ years of experience in the field.
When I first met Thelma, I was 23 years old, and fresh out of teachers' college. I wasn't looking for mentor, it just kind of happened. We would spend hours after work in her office, engaged in all sorts of intensity, and here we are, 14 years later, still communicating!
A more recent "accidental" mentor is the associate director of the program where I teach. A retired principal, this fellow is a very reflective person who is excellent at mirroring; his office door is always open, and he lends an ear while I unleash my verbal diarreah on him -- all is fair game: teaching, learning to fly, differentiated instruction with university students, struggling with Kindergarten, personal learning strengths and weaknesses, career decisions... you name it, this guy sits and listens, offering a reflective thought or guiding question at exactly the right time, and forcing my to reach deeper into my mind to unlock what I am really thinking. Again, this guy wasn't wearing a badge that said, "Looking for a mentor? See me!" Rather, we just kind of connected over time.
If the chemistry doesn't happen on its own with the people in your immediate surroundings, cast the net a little wider: Read and respond to aviation articles online or in magazines you read. Contact the authors to tell them what you enjoyed about their article, and ask them a question.
Or... tell your non-aviation friends and family that you are on the prowl for a mentor, and ask if they know anyone. You never know what six degrees of separation can bring you: The science professor at the university where I teach goes to church with a retired Air Canada pilot who flies a Challenger 605 for a private client -- at my pestering, he asked if Jim might be willing to meet with and tutor me with some flight stuff, and happily, he was!
If you are sincere about wanting to learn (and not just trying to build shallow connections so you can name drop and get a commercial job!), finding a mentor should come easily; we are designed for community, and these things have a way of working themselves out.
In summary,
1. A mentor need not be both older and more experienced, but s/he should hold at least one of these two qualifications. (That doesn't mean you can't continue to study and learn from one another, in similar age/experience groups; it's just a different relationship.)
2. Although naturally developing relationships may be preferable, sometimes such connections aren't possible. Good pilots, as experienced people in any profession, are generally eager to share their craft. Being respectful of their time, initiate relationships with such people, and show your appreciation when they respond affirmatively to requests for mentoring.
A strong mentor is such a valuable aspect of personal and professional growth. I wish you good luck in your quest!