You Always Take the Lighting With You

A note to young leaders.

Ever noticed how you look like Adonis in one mirror – and Gollum in another?

The difference?

You guessed it – it’s the lighting.

Soft, indirect lighting flatters your features – it’s why fitting rooms in department stores are always cast in gentle, diffused light.

Harsh, overhead lighting – like that used in many bathroom mirrors – acts like a forensic spotlight, exposing every pore and wrinkle, exaggerating shadows under your eyes, nose and chin – making you look tired, puffy and older than you are.

The same is true of people.

With friends, we choose to see them in a soft, indirect light – like morning sun filtered through sheer curtains.

To all those to whom we feel less charitable, we apply the forensic spotlight.

It’s a game we all play – and that’s OK.

As long as you remember – with apologies to Crowded House: “everywhere you go, you always take the lighting with you.”