Page 52 - enLIGHTenment Magazine - August 2017

ALA CONFERENCE

Mentors know

what it takes

to succeed on

many levels.

They can help

you set goals

and guide you

through your

career or life

events.

During your career in the lighting industry, you will personal needs. Whether you choose a coach or a

meet people who become your mentors or coaches mentor is entirely up to you, but either one will help
throughout your career. I personally had three who you grow in all aspects of your life.

have in uenced me to grow both personally and
WHere to FInd mentors/coacHes
professionally. They do not need to be the owners
of showrooms or manufacturers. They can be your OK, let’s say you’ve decided to seek a mentor but

peers, your colleagues, someone in another disci- are “stuck” as to how to go about it.
pline, or an independent person totally una liated Consider this: Sometimes it just happens natural-

with lighting.
ly. Perhaps you are targeting someone you respect

Depending upon what you feel would be of most at work and you then casually ask them for help.
bene t to you, you will want to seek out the assis- Or you may be si ing with a peer who has been in

tance of either of these two helpers. I have found lighting for a few years and you recognize that they
that coaches usually are for short-term situations. may be the perfect role model for you.

Mentors can be for that too, but they can also stick There are many ways to approach someone to

around for life! In either case it’s perfectly acceptable become your mentor as there are many ways you
not to go it alone and you should feel comfortable may recognize that someone within your show-

seeking assistance. For personal or career growth room or at your o ce would bene t from having
and development, your choices depend on your own
you as one!


50 enLIGHTenment Magazine | august 2017
www.enlightenmentmag.com