Everybody Learns When You Mentor

This is Real World Week for ASID Designers. Professional members sign up  at a registry on line so that a student enrolled in Interior Design may Shadow your day. I have done this several times and always come away feeling that I learn as much as I teach .

It is a commitment to mentor anyone , and there are often misconceptions about how much it would disturb your day. I have spent most of my life showing others as I go so to speak , I have found that a Shadow is just that (as Diane said , my friend who was my observer yesterday) , it is best just to bring them with you through the normal ups , downs , and in-betweens of the business. Even the boring parts. This will give someone a clearer picture of the profession they are about to enter into.

Yesterday Diane and I visited the LEED home job site where we almost needed mountain climbing shoes to find a way into the step less home site. We worked with slightly cranky clients selecting an Indian rug , had a working lunch with clients looking at their  floor plan , then with their plumber , dashed off to view pavers and tiles at a couple distributors , and ended the day at the Naples Beach Club viewing potential rooms for a Product Expo.Nothing was glamorous , nothing was staged , it was Real World , and I felt it was Real Fun.

Lee J Colen said ” Mentor and coach others when you can , teaching will deepen your own learning.” I think that really expresses what I believe mentoring brings to me. I can rediscover the joys of my profession through the fresh eyes of another. I am always surprised what people new to the field pick up on , the questions they ask , the input they add , and I have my own High being along for the ride.

I have gained wisdom , self esteem , compassion , and sometimes even patience in mentoring and training others. Life is always all about giving and how we help those around us in many different ways. The only legacy I can truly leave is what lives on in others from good works I have done.

Today is Wednesday , a “can’t believe it’s only Wednesday” for some. Look around today and see who needs your teaching , training , or input (positive). Help a child with homework , a co-worker on the computer , show your partner how to balance the checkbook in case your aren’t here one day. Today is Wednesday , give some of what is great about you to others. It’s like magic , whatever you give out will come back to you two fold. Enjoy.