My Take on Role Models

role-model role models

Whether it’s in your work or career or in the way you live your life you probably have role models who have shaped your behaviours. This may be conscious or at a subconscious level. These role models might be positive ones or people from whom you’ve taken lessons on ‘how not to do it’.

Conversely, you may well be a role model for other people.

What do you want to be remembered for?

It’s an interesting exercise to think about what you want to be remembered for – the personal qualities you display, the things you stand for, the behaviours that others would want to emulate. And to consider to what extent others would think of you as a positive role model for these things. Someone who is an excellent example of that particular trait; someone who they would aspire to be like in that way.

Four things that spring to mind that I value and would hope to be a role model in are:

  • Organisation and high work ethic – planning ahead, managing time and projects and making things happen;
  • Loyalty and commitment– sticking with the promises I have made and delivering;
  • Community spirit – living my life in a way that is conscious of the impact on others, lawfully and giving something back; and
  • Nurturing others – being supportive and encouraging, sharing my knowledge and experience while helping others to grow in a non-judgmental way.

And thinking about who have been my role models?

Funnily enough it’s not something I’ve thought of much before.

  • I’ve had managers – good and bad – who have shaped my approach to mentoring others and understanding of how bullying can impact on motivation and productivity.
  • I was inspired by 3 or 4 brilliant self employed trainers to develop my interactive training skills.
  • In consultative roles, I enjoyed the TV programmes showing the approach of Sir John Harvey Jones and Gerry Robinson, getting to the heart of problems with businesses and the NHS.
  • As aspirational role models, I look to entrepreneurs, explorers and adventurers who do the things that are way beyond my own comfort zone.
  • In community service, I admire those who take initiatives in challenging the status quo (Jamie Oliver on school dinners; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on food waste) or give their time to a cause that helps others have a better quality of life – such as Esther Rantzen with Childline.

I’m sure there are many more.

Have a think about who has inspired you – and why – and make a link with your values (what’s important to you and what you stand for). Role models don’t have to be celebrities or be perfect in every way – there will be certain attributes that you take from each one. Like a patchwork quilt if you stitched them all together you would have an interesting and colourful whole.

If you’re interested in reading more about values, here’s another article

https://zwcoaching.co.uk/values/

And more about beginning with the end in mind regarding your goals

https://zwcoaching.co.uk/get-habit-habit-2-begin-end-mind/

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Get in touch to find out more about coaching 

If you’re interested in developing your self awareness, communication or management skills, confidence, time management or just getting focus on your goals, do get in touch to discuss. I believe everyone has the potential to improve their performance, motivation and happiness – coaching works because you become accountable to an external person who is a source of encouragement and support – as well as challenging your barriers.

Email Zoë Whitby: zoe@zwcoaching.co.uk

Call on: 07919 201128

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