Leadership blossoms on HMAS Waller
29 Jun 2010
Four female submariners serving in HMAS Waller have been singing praise for the Navy mentoring program for women which has greatly enhanced their leadership skills and self esteem.,
Leading Seaman Communication and Information Systems, Submarine (LSCISSM) Vicki Kelly, 29, and Able Seaman Cryptologic Systems, Submarine (ABCTSSM) Kristy Bates, 24, said that the ‘My Mentor’ program is helping them to develop their leadership styles, which has enhanced working relationships with the other females and crew members posted to Waller.
LSCISSM Kelly said ‘My Mentor’ is a highly regarded program that has been implemented in the ADF and other corporate and public sector organisations around Australia.
“The mentoring program has taught me how to problem solve based on being able to identify the different personality types,” she said.
“It has also allowed junior females to observe my leadership style which in turn enhances their own leadership skills.”
ABCTSSM Bates said that the program has enabled her to improve her professional and private life.
“The program has advanced my maturity beyond my years, especially in the way I approach issues with my new problem-solving skills,” she said.
“The modules have given me great confidence in both my professional and personal life.”
Both LSCISSM Kelly and ABCTSSM Bates said they have worked on the modules whenever they had the opportunity during Waller’s busy Unit Readiness Evaluation and Work-up period.
The Navy Women’s Mentoring Program – “My Mentor’ – is part of gender diversity strategies to help women achieve their career potential and counter the gender imbalance in the workforce.
‘My Mentor’ is DVD/CD- and workbook-based, and is designed to be completed over a 12-week period.
Navy Captains Elizabeth Rushbrook and Siobhan Bacon feature in the DVD, along with many highly regarded senior women from corporate and public sectors.
LSCISSM Kelly said the program is important because it enhances female leadership in the RAN and can be used to shape desired Navy culture through empowering and supporting future leaders.
ABCTSSM Bates said despite the busy tempo many other females posted to HMAS Stirling have made the time to discuss their progress with the modules.
“It is definitely worthwhile, particularly because I’ve had no prior leadership training,” she said.
