ANCC: More than a Program; A Mentoring Culture

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Army Navy Country Club’s club-wide mentorship program has enhanced operations by intentionally developing people at every level of the organization. By expanding mentorship beyond interns and Managers-in-Training to include all employees, ANCC has strengthened leadership capacity, improved cross-department understanding, and created clearer pathways for professional growth.

The program reinforces a culture of learning, accountability, and support, helping employees feel invested in and connected to the organization. Mentees gain confidence, clarity, and guidance in their roles, while mentors develop stronger leadership, communication, and coaching skills. This reciprocal model has supported employee engagement, internal growth, and long-term organizational stability, making mentorship a core operational strategy rather than a standalone initiative.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The mentorship program at Army Navy Country Club began as a structured initiative for interns and Managers-in-Training, designed to support early career development and provide guidance as individuals entered the organization and the private club industry. As the program demonstrated success, it expanded to include ANCC’s Women’s Collective and has since grown into a club-wide mentorship model supporting employees at all levels across departments.

The program is implemented through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring led by the Leadership Team, and peer-to-peer mentoring. In addition, select club members have participated as mentors, sharing their professional experience, leadership insight, and industry knowledge to further enrich the program. This phased, intentional growth has allowed the mentorship program to scale sustainably while maintaining meaningful connections and clear purpose.

Club members have responded very positively. Members who serve as mentors value the opportunity to give back and engage more deeply with the club’s mission, while the broader membership benefits from a more confident, engaged, and professionally developed staff. Overall, the program has strengthened member pride, reinforced confidence in club leadership, and enhanced the quality and consistency of the member experience.

ANCC Mentorship Program – 2026

Army Navy Country Club has developed a comprehensive, club-wide mentorship program designed to support continuous growth, leadership development, and long-term career success for employees at all levels of the organization. What was once focused primarily on interns and Managers-in-Training has evolved into an inclusive mentoring culture that serves all employees, with additional targeted opportunities such as ANCC’s Women’s Collective.

Mentorship at ANCC is intentionally structured to be both developmental and reciprocal. Employees participate as mentees and mentors, reinforcing the belief that mentorship is not a one-way relationship. Mentees gain clarity, confidence, and guidance as they navigate their roles and career paths, while mentors strengthen their leadership skills, communication, and ability to develop others. This shared growth model supports individual success while strengthening the organization as a whole.

The program is grounded in real-world application and meaningful connection. Participants engage in structured mentorship conversations that focus on personal goals, professional development, leadership skills, and cross-departmental understanding. Mentoring relationships encourage accountability, reflection, and practical problem-solving, helping employees grow within their roles and prepare for future opportunities within the club and the private club industry.

Mentorship Structure at ANCC

ANCC offers multiple mentorship formats to support diverse learning styles, career stages, and development goals:

Traditional 1-on-1 Mentorship Employees are paired with managers or leaders within the organization for bi-weekly mentorship meetings focused on goal setting, skill development, leadership growth, and ongoing support.

Group Mentoring Members of the Leadership Team facilitate regular group mentoring sessions that promote shared learning, exposure to different leadership perspectives, and collaborative discussion across departments.

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Participants are encouraged to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring following group sessions, fostering collaboration, idea sharing, and collective problem-solving that strengthens teamwork and organizational culture.