Be a Role Model: 8 Ways to Cultivate Admiration and Respect
More than 95% of children ages 7 to 11 have a role model, according to data from the National Literacy Foundation. Whether they’re a parent, a teacher, a coach, or some other authority figure in their lives, it’s a hopeful sign for that future that so many young people have someone to look up to.
Unfortunately, far fewer teens, young adults and “prime age” individuals have people than can genuinely call role models. Likewise, relatively few adults seem willing or able to step into this role, at least outside the confines of their immediate families.
If you’re one of them, what’s stopping you? What do you need, or what should you do differently, before stepping up and changing a life for the better?
In truth, a “role model template” does not exist. There is no correct or incorrect way to be a role model, as long as your heart is in the right place and you respond appropriately to your mentees’ needs.
However, the fact that there’s no “right” approach to role modeling means it’s very difficult to know how to begin. With that in mind, consider these eight strategies to position yourself as someone who is ready to step into and excel in a position of great trust.
- Be Relatable and Approachable
Effective role models make those around them feel comfortable. They are gifted conversationalists. They are insightful, empathetic, and wise.
Related to all of this, they are relatable and approachable. They give off the impression that they’re just like the rest of us, despite occupying positions of greater responsibility and authority.
For example, the leader of the Scientology religion, David Miscavige, is known for his approachability, which has helped him develop deep and broad connections (and ultimately win the respect of millions) over the years.
“I think every single one of us would like to be his personal friend,” one member says, recalling an encounter with Mr. Miscavige.
One needn’t lead a large organization or occupy a position of public prominence to evoke the same response in others. Great role models work on large and small stages alike.
- Stay True to Your Word
Role models tell it like it is. Even when their mentees don’t want to hear their “tough love.”
This is one important form of honesty you’ll be expected to practice as someone others look up to. Indeed, it’s best not to think of “telling it as it is” as a core duty of role modeling, but rather an iteration of the much more basic obligation to stay true to your word. After all, if you go back on a promise the second it becomes inconvenient to keep, how can you impress upon others the importance of fair dealing?
- Follow the “Do As I Do” Principle
As opposed to the “do as I say” principle, that is. Another way to say this is: “Lead by example.”
If you’re a parent, an older sibling, or a “natural” authority figure in any other sense of the term, you already understand how important it can be to set the right example. Humans have a tendency to look for the easy way out whenever it’s available, which means — unfortunately — that it’s a constant struggle to keep those who look up to us on the righteous path.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable
Part of growing up and coming into one’s own is understanding how to balance the very human need to express vulnerability with the equally human need to remain guarded.
Being vulnerable can “help us better understand our opportunities for growth, enhance our self-awareness, and flex our emotional intelligence muscles,” says Nate Battle, of Headspace. But at the same time, sharing too much can expose us to abuse by those who’d just as soon take advantage of our vulnerability.
As a role model, you’ll need to show those who look up to you how to strike this balance. It’ll be a learning process for you as well as them, one you might find yourself looking for your own role model to help navigate.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Advice
“Don’t be afraid to ask” might as well be the aspiring role model’s mantra. Whether it’s how to strike the appropriate balance between guardedness and vulnerability or anything else you’ll need to know to be an effective leader, you can’t be expected to know everything from the jump. Nor can you be expected to demonstrate the importance of self-knowledge to your mentee if you’re not willing to seek it yourself.
- Lend a Hand Without Being Asked (Or Bragging About It)
Great role models, and indeed all those who put the authority granted them to good use, are willing to go out of their way to help others without first being asked. They’d expect the same, after all.
Just as important as lending a hand in the first place is doing so unselfishly, with no expectation of recognition or reciprocity. Don’t brag, don’t extract leverage — just do it, and know that you did well.
- Be a True Friend
You can rarely go wrong by letting those you care about know just how much they mean to you. This might not come as naturally in a role model relationship not involving a member of your immediate family, but the fact of the matter is that close friendship is the natural outgrowth of a durable mentor-mentee relationship. By demonstrating your appreciation, you strengthen that relationship for years to come.
- Excel in Your Work (And Expect Others to Do Likewise)
Last but not least, no mentor-mentee relationship would be complete without a dose of tough love. The best way to leverage tough love to positive ends is to hold yourself to high standards of performance and expect your mentees to do the same.
If they need convincing, remind them that high performers tend to find professional success. According to data from Faethm by Pearson, they’re up to 800% more productive than the median worker, and they’re apt to be recognized accordingly.
Lead With Grace
Not all role models aspire to be leaders as such. Many prefer to see themselves as sounding boards, as “resources,” as life coaches for those with less wisdom and experience.
Yet by definition, a role model is a leader, insofar as they are someone “looked to” by those with even fewer answers than they.
Yes, even you. If you are a role model, you are a leader. That being the case, it’s important that you act the part.
Post Your Ad Here
Comments