WHAT FEEDBACK AND COACHING DO JUNIOR NAVAL OFFICERS NEED?

This research identified crucial knowledge and skills that coaches or mentors should help Junior Officers develop in early stages of their careers. The initial phase involved interviews with subject matter experts and experienced officers to determine important attributes for junior officers’ success. The research team then held focus group meetings with officers who were at various career milestones. Participants in the focus groups identified important skills that junior officers need to develop, and they shared ideas about making feedback and coaching more effective. Beyond navigation and other technical skills, participants indicated that leadership skills such as motivation, communication, and relation management are qualities of successful officers. Results suggest that better coaching in these areas could improve junior officers’ competencies, with implications for the culture and future effectiveness of the services.