Good role models have a positive effect on the people around them. They’re respected and those around them will be inspired to do their best. Their reputation and personal brand are strong.
Good role models typically exhibit the following personality traits or qualities:
1. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to reflect honestly and productively on your behaviour, and on the impact that you have on others.
2. Positivity
A positive attitude can help to develop an energetic, can-do team spirit. No one can be cheerful all the time, but you can look for the opportunities in difficult situations. So, focus on what your team can do in any given situation, not on what it can’t, and help it to build on those successes.
3. Humility
Good role models practice humility. They’re honest when they’re not sure what to do and are happy to ask questions and learn. They are comfortable with encouraging other people to flourish, they give credit where it’s due, and they don’t hide behind rank or experience.
4. Empathy
Empathy involves understanding the emotional needs of others. To develop empathy, strive to really hear and understand what others are telling you. The more you’re able to identify and connect with team members in this way, the more trust you’ll build, and the stronger those connections will be.
5. Professionalism
Demonstrating professionalism means holding your actions and your work to an excellent standard. It involves more than just getting the job done – it taps into deeper personal qualities of integrity, honesty and respect for others.
6. Integrity
Integrity is doing the right thing for the right reasons, even if that means not taking the easiest option. Living with integrity is one of the cornerstones of being a good role model, as it is among the qualities that individuals and organisations look for most in their leaders.
Bottom-line being a good role model is a great way to make the world a better place to live.