When we’re young and during challenging times, we all look to our role models for assurance and guidance. Role models are everywhere; they are found in your family, friends, social influencers, celebrities, community, and political leaders.
You may call them your mentors or ‘big brother or sister.’ The name is not so important. What role models do can be the difference between civility and mayhem.
Our role models guide our actions, some positive and some negative, and this is where life is a balancing act.
Role Models In Business
The same is true in business, where we also need role models, especially in today’s rapidly evolving work environment.
For example, imagine a team facing the announcement of an upcoming company restructuring.
Many employees start to worry about job security and possible changes in their roles. In this situation, a leader who openly communicates about the challenges, acknowledges the team’s concerns, and shares their plan for navigating the transition can provide much-needed reassurance. By making themselves available for questions and offering honest updates, the leader helps foster trust and calm within the team.
The rise of remote and hybrid work, digital transformation, and shifting workplace expectations have made effective role models more important than ever. Uncertainty in global and local economies can stir up apprehension and mistrust in the workplace.
If left unchecked, workers can give in to their insecurities and believe ‘they’re next in the firing line,’ i.e., it will be them out the door in a round of redundancies!
Forget about worker productivity. It will nose-dive, too, without clear leadership, and this is where role models step up and provide reassurance.
Without adequate communication, positive affirmations, and confirmation that everything is being managed to the company’s best ability, the workforce is left to their thoughts, and understandably, they will fear the worst.
If this sounds like your workplace, you can make a difference by becoming a role model. You don’t need to be high up the hierarchy; anyone can show empathy when required.
Today, role models also advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, champion mental health, and set examples for navigating digital change. Whether working in-person or remotely, demonstrating adaptability and compassion is key.
To start making an impact right away, try one simple action: check in with a colleague today and ask how they are doing. Small steps like this can help you build trust, show support, and set a positive example for others around you.
Good Role Model Traits
One false assumption is that all leaders are good role models. We can all name leaders, particularly politicians, who are far from positive influencers in our lives, and we can not wait to see them out of office in the next election!
What are the attributes of a good role model?
Digital leadership, ethical decision-making in the age of AI, and a commitment to continuous learning, and more.
- Digital Leadership: Leading effectively in virtual and hybrid teams, and setting positive examples in online interactions
- Navigating Change: Providing steady guidance through periods of uncertainty, such as technological disruption or industry shifts
- Wellbeing and Mental Health: Normalizing conversations about mental health, fostering work-life balance, and supporting colleagues’ wellbeing
- Ethical Leadership in Technology: Modeling responsible and transparent use of emerging technologies like AI
- Continuous Learning: Encouraging a culture of skill development and adaptability to keep pace with change
- Sustainability and Social Impact: Prioritizing environmental responsibility and community engagement as part of business success
Empathy
You will need an abundance of empathy in all your dealings that impact humanity’s lives. Acknowledging another person’s feelings does not mean you will stop what you’re doing or change your position; you are not bulldozing over them to get your way.
Knowledge
A thirst to know more and not being afraid to step outside their comfort zone to get it. Surrounding themselves with intelligent people and taking on challenging tasks are both ways to reach a goal.
Accept Mistakes Will Happen
Stretching boundaries to achieve more comes with risk, and mistakes will happen. A good role model will be humble, accept responsibility for their errors, and move on, as it’s all part of growing and eventually reaching the right outcome.
Confidence
Having the confidence to take action shouldn’t be confused with arrogance. A good role model needs the self-belief to step up and do what others can not do, i.e., lead and take responsibility for the actions of others and maybe the whole company.
Be Your Person
Being unique and living life your way gives you a unique perspective on your role as a leader and role model. Following the crowd will not develop your leadership skills; however, you will need to know how to be a supportive follower, as your workers will require you for guidance and encouragement.
Gregarious
If you’re a loner, it will be harder for you to communicate with your followers. A genuine interest in your peers and others gives you the opportunity to hone your communication skills.
Take on leadership roles outside of work. Whether through a community group, sports association, or a hobby or interest group, challenge yourself to take on positions of responsibility and commitment.
Summing Up
By embracing these modern traits, you can ensure your leadership remains relevant and inspiring in today’s business world.
Everyone can be a role model; some people become one by accident, others by design. If you want to be a role model in your business, sharpen your skills and accept the challenge to make a difference in your life and work.
To see how you are growing as a role model, try simple practices like asking colleagues for feedback after important interactions, or taking a few minutes each week to reflect on your actions and where you demonstrated role model behaviors.
You might keep a journal to note situations where you made a positive impact or identify areas where you want to improve. Checking in regularly this way can help you track your progress and stay motivated on your journey to becoming a stronger role model.