Release:
January 6, 2021

Women of NATE Today Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 1

No New Year has ever been more welcome than 2021.

The challenges and stresses of 2020 will not magically disappear with the change of a digit. Those changes will start with us!

What inspires you to overcome the challenges and reach your goal? Is it a quote, a thought or a person that inspires you to succeed? It fills you with passion and drive to get things done. Inspiration can be a powerful motivational tool.

In order to reach your dreams or goals, you need to push through your limits and beyond your comfort zone. “Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter.” That has been my personal motto, it is my way of reminding myself to push and not settle for average.

When you are facing your limits and you feel resistance, it can seem hard to overcome. But just by pushing yourself a little harder, you can accomplish great things. The funny thing is that once you do, you can look back and wonder why you ever thought it was that difficult to begin with. Do not let limits stop you from doing anything.

Whatever your goals are, there are others who have had them and succeeded in reaching them. Look to them for guidance on what they did to push past their limits on their way to success.

We as individuals are kind, independent, respectful, intelligent, leaders. As a group we will raise to any challenge because we are the WOMEN OF NATE!

Join Women of NATE (WON) for a Fireside Chat! Grab your coffee, hot chocolate, or glass of wine, snacks and comfortable clothes, and join us for an hour of laughter, stories, and support. This webinar will be hosted by Women of NATE and will feature WON members Andy Page Lee and Kathy Stieler as speakers.

The Fireside Chat will enlighten you on:
1. How to do more for yourself – exercise, take time off, do things that make you smile and laugh.
2. How to connect – use your networks and support each other.
3. How to commit to putting yourself on your calendar in 2021.
4. You matter and you are worth it – share your story.

Register now for the WON Fireside Chat!

Sheri O'Dell-Deuer is a member of the Women of NATE Committee and the VP of Training for TUF-TUG Products, Deuer Development in Moraine, Ohio. She can be reached at sheri@tuf-tug.com.

Special Feature - Mentorship: Christy Hall

As long as I can remember, I have heard the saying “Hindsight is 2020”. But for the first and only time, we can actually say it and it be true! Figuratively and literally.  What a year it was. I do not want to forget it happened. I learned from it and grew from the experience. I am happy to look at it in the rearview mirror. It is hindsight. Now is a perfect opportunity to take what you’ve learned and ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish in 2021?”  “What kind of person do I want to be?” I am not talking about the typical New Year’s resolutions. The ones that start on New Year’s Day and end before the FBS names a champion. (By the way in case there are inquiring minds who want to know, FBS stands for Football Bowl Subdivision. Four teams play football and then there were two.…I digress.) 

Anyway, back to goals. Goals are good. They propel us to reach higher and dig deeper to make the changes we desire so we can accomplish the things we want to do. Sounds easy enough, but I have fallen short in this endeavor more often than not. I tried something new for 2021. I created my first vision board. It was enlightening, exciting, and satisfying. It enabled me to envision and then document the year I want for myself. It was a great experience. If you are not familiar with vision boards, there is a lot of information on Pinterest, Google and other types of media. Here is a photo of MY vision board. 

There is no right or wrong way to create a vision board. It belongs to you and only you. It represents your goals, your dreams, your passions. The idea is to display the vision board in a prominent place, so you literally keep your eyes on the “prize”. YOU are the prize! Speaking of a better you…one of the items you see on my board is Mentoring. You can find many definitions of Mentoring. But this is my favorite.  

‘Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.’

Many of you do know and many of you may not Women of NATE has a Mentoring Program. We invite you to be a part of it. We have some of the most amazing people in this industry. If you want to share knowledge, support, and encourage others, become a mentor. New to the industry, landed a new position or just aspire to learn and broaden your skills? Being a mentee is an excellent opportunity to learn and become that person you want to be. In March, the program will start its third year.

From Rebecca....I just wanted to express my thanks to you and the mentorship program for connecting me with my mentor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and it has been helpful to learn from her and chat with another woman in the field.  

From Jennifer….I've had a very rewarding mentorship experience with my mentor and I've gained a great deal of knowledge from it. I have a book full of notes from our phone calls.  I'm reaching out to thank you, WON and NATE for putting this great program together! 

Will MENTORING be on your Vision Board? Complete a questionnaire today and make 2021 your best year! For additional information on the WON Mentorship Program, CLICK HERE.

WON Profile: Lisa Johnston

Where will you find the Women of NATE?

Take Women of NATE with you!

Are you traveling for work or taking a leisure vacation? Take a creative photo holding a Women of NATE (WON) logo in front of a landmark that lets us know where you are. 

Women of NATE Committee member Marianna Kramarikova of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) visiting the Atlantic coast. - #WON hashtag

Upcoming Events

2020 has pushed the challenges women face to the forefront and their well being to the back burner. Join Women of NATE (WON) for a Fireside Chat! Grab your coffee, hot chocolate, or glass of wine, snacks and comfortable clothes, and join us for an hour of laughter, stories, and support. This webinar will be hosted by Women of NATE and will feature WON members Andy Page Lee and Kathy Stieler as speakers.

The Fireside Chat will enlighten you on:

1. How to do more for yourself – exercise, take time off, do things that make you smile and laugh.
2. How to connect – use your networks and support each other.
3. How to commit to putting yourself on your calendar in 2021.
4. You matter and you are worth it – share your story.

Women of NATE (WON) is proud to announce the establishment of the WON Education Scholarship. The scholarship was designed to encourage and inspire more women to enter the tower and communications infrastructure construction, service and maintenance industries.

Women play a prominent role as leaders and visionaries in the advancement of wireless and broadcast communications. Through the establishment of the WON initiative, the Association is proud to recognize the vital contributions of men and women in the diverse tower and communications infrastructure industry. Four separate scholarships valued up to $1,000 each may be awarded to four different applicants.

To stay apprised of recent event updates and to view the most comprehensive events listing visit the NATE WIN (Wireless Industry Network) website at www.natewin.org. 

Recent Event Highlights

For Release: 
December 17, 2020

NWSA Announces Official Launch of Spanish Language Telecommunication Tower Technician Assessments

Spanish TTT-1 and TTT-2 Trade Certification Testing Available Starting December 23, 2020

(Fairfax, Virginia) - The National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) announced that Spanish language translation of assessment tests for the Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) and Telecommunications Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2) trade certifications will be available beginning on December 23, 2020. MasTec Network Solutions sponsored the effort with a generous contribution to cover the cost of translating written tests and associated documents for the TTT-1 and TTT-2 programs.

To accomplish the test translations, NWSA formed a Spanish Language Working Group that included bi-lingual subject matter experts who guided the effort to ensure conformance with NWSA’s recent program accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard. Consistent with accreditation requirements, participants were involved in test translation activities, including oversight of forward and reverse test translation using an independent ISO-certified translator, psychometric validation, and development of a Spanish glossary of industry terminology.

“The official launch of these Spanish worker certification programs is a major milestone for the NWSA and reflects the industry’s commitment to providing professional trade credentials to an ever-evolving and diverse workforce,” said Executive Director Duane MacEntee. “The year is ending on a positive note with this exciting news. I would like to personally thank MasTec and the dedicated group of subject matter experts for their immense contributions of time and talent to make this happen with such enthusiasm,” MacEntee added.

The NWSA recognizes and applauds the following subject matter experts who participated on the Spanish Technical Work Group: Jose Tarafa (Chairman, MasTec), Jim Coleman (AT&T), Luis Omar Rivera (B-Con Technologies), Jose L. Santos Ortiz (Crown Castle), Matthew Miranne (MasTec), and Salvador Latino (Neptuno USA, Corp).

“The launch of the Spanish Certification program is something I am personally proud of,” stated Jose Tarafa from MasTec. “Being that MasTec is a minority-owned company, we knew that this would be a great asset not only for our employees but also for the many Spanish speakers in the industry. These certifications will help validate worker skill-sets and allow them to receive an industry-recognized credential, helping to improve the safety standards of the industry. I would like to thank the committee members for their time and valuable contributions to this endeavor,” Tarafa added.

To begin the process of signing up for a Spanish version of the NWSA TTT-1 or TTT-2 certification assessment, visit HERE.

Industry workers, companies and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the NWSA website at www.nws-a.org to learn more about the organization and its transformative trade certification offerings.

###

About National Wireless Safety Alliance

NWSA, headquartered in Fairfax, VA, is a national non-profit assessment and ANSI-accredited certification organization established to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills and verifiable worker certification in order to enhance safety, reduce workplace risk, improve quality, encourage training, and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers and other non-standard communication structures.

Contact: Duane MacEntee
nwsa@nws-a.org​

    Mentoring for the Next Generation’s Success

This is Part 1 of our 10-part series on the 10 Key Qualities and Habits of a Highly Effective Mentor. Read our introduction to the series here.

We thought we’d kick off this year with a list of the top qualities and habits that make the most effective mentors. Why is this important? Because being able to recognize the qualities that make your mentors top-notch will help you identify other individuals that could make excellent mentors, as well as help train others to become them.

The first quality of kickass mentors we’d like to highlight in our series is this: They care about the next generation’s success.

But how can you tell if someone actually cares? Read on.

1. They can spot the potential in others

Effective mentors have a positive view of others that greatly increases how much knowledge can be transferred from one person to another. They push their mentees to achieve their goals and stretch themselves; in large part because they genuinely believe their mentee has the potential to succeed. The ability to recognize, and then actively encourage the potential in others can truly be the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional mentor.

2. They are dedicated to the other’s success

Those who understand that the mentoring relationship goes beyond them are much more willing to make a genuine investment in the mentoring relationship. This, in turn, better sets up the partnership for success. Being dedicated to another’s success, instead of just encouraging it, means actively helping mentees hit milestones that bring them closer and closer to their goals, as well as providing feedback on what can be improved as the mentee reaches for the next, upcoming milestone.

3. They genuinely care about the organization they find themselves in

Exceptional mentors want to see success blossom from everyone involved in the mentoring program across the entire organization. That’s because they know this can help benefit not only the organization, but also the participants individually and the mentoring program as a whole. By investing themselves in the organization’s mission and becoming an active participant in the company’s mentoring program, effective mentors let it be known that they are willing to help not only their individual mentoring partner, but the program as a whole be a success. Which brings us to our last and final point…

4. They take a personal interest in their mentoring relationships

Good mentors do not take their responsibility lightly; on the contrary, they feel personally invested in the success of their mentees. This type of investment usually requires someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and has the additional attributes of a good teacher or trainer. Excellent communication skills are also required and should not be downplayed, as communication is at the heart of any relationship.

A Reflection of Oneself

Ultimately, a good mentor is committed to helping their mentees find success and gratification in their chosen profession, as the mentor them self has found. That’s because, at the end of the day, how you mentor someone else is a direct reflection of the mentor and the mentor’s values. If the mentor in question has found purpose and fulfilment in their chosen profession, it’s likely they’ll want to help their mentee find those things as well.

Overall, good mentoring requires dedication to empowering mentees to develop their own strengths, beliefs, and personal attributes. Although the mentee’s path may not look identical to their mentor’s, the tools that get them to where they want to be will be shared by someone invested in their success.

Are you ready to start building a culture of mentoring at your own organization? 

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Article Appeared: Last appeared on Mentorloop website.

https://mentorloop.com/blog/next-generation-success/

Please send recipes with photos to Nikki Gronau at nikki@natehome.com.