As mentioned in previous blogs, I am not in favor of making New Year’s resolutions, but this does not mean that I can stop others from doing so. As individuals seek self-improvement, they may be watching the people in their lives and in the public purview to emulate their behavior. In this blog, we will offer some tips on how to be a role model.
A role model differs from a mentor
A role model is an individual whose behaviors, personal style, life style, principles, and attributes are emulated by others who are trying to create their own professional identities and are inspired by said role model. The role model is generally a passive role and the person may not even know that their behavior is a model for someone else. What the role model has done through her own behavior is to set a standard or goal that the other person would like to reach. A mentor takes an active role in helping a protégé to develop skills. Although a role model is passive, a professional setting is not the time to “dance like nobody’s watching;” everyone is watching and there may be people who see you as a role model and aspire to be like you. This points to the importance of behaving in a way that will earn you the respect of colleagues, supervisors, and junior staff.
Regardless of one’s role, one should want to offer a good impression. For managers and executives, it is even more important to mind one’s actions and to realize that your behavior impacts the company culture and the behavior of others.
Competence
If you do your job well and are dedicated and committed to the organization and achieving excellence, you are ready to be a role model.
Experienced-based Action
People who have experience in the specific job title, industry and with the organization are great role models. It is always useful to be the person who remembers the corporate history and can share how we successfully helped a client in the past and maybe the same strategy could be the basis for current actions.
Service
Are you willing to give your all to the company, willing to teach others, and be of service to others? A good leader is one who helps others to develop their own leadership potential.
Integrity
Are you honest and ethical in your dealings with others? Are you showing your authentic self to others? Do you do the right thing even when no one is there to know the difference? These items all contribute to acting with integrity.
According to a survey by OnePoll for the University of Phoenix, 74 percent of Americans have a role model, and we look to our role models for examples in intelligence, leadership, and confidence. Moreover, of those with a role model, 81 percent said that their role model had influenced some life decisions such as returning to school and financial goals. If one is a role model for others, one should feel honored and flattered. Who is watching you and are you ready to be a role model?