Role Models
Hello Readers!
Today I am going to be talking about the importance of role models in building confidence in the workplace.
Let’s start with what exactly a role model is. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a role model is “a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.” Popular role models can include athletic stars, teachers, or inspirational leaders.
Having a role model provides an example to look up to, a resource to look at when you are struggling. Having a role model in the workplace allows you to observe the ways in which they became successful, and apply those methods to your own life. For example, a supervisor whom you look up to may have worked late one to two nights per week in order to rise to her current position. This knowledge may inspire you to begin staying late as well.
I was recently reading part of a book, “The Smart Woman’s Guide to Career Success”, and the author, Janet Hauter, spoke about the importance of role models in the workplace. Hauter recommends looking for role models who have already been successful, whether that success is measured in status or accomplishment.
Hauter also recommends taking a look at the path your intended role model took to success. Doing so can allow you to discover whether you want to follow this path yourself, modify the path, or take a completely different path.
Knowing that you have a role model to look up to in the workplace can make you more confident that you’ll succeed.
Upon selecting a role model, you should try to develop a close relationship with the person, if possible. Hauter recommends speaking to them about any lessons they’ve learned during their time in the field or with the company. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes.
Hauter also discusses the types of people to avoid when selecting a role model. Among those people are those that choose to complain about their lack of success, rather than doing something to change the fact. Hauter warns that these people are insecure and many sabotage your own work.
Reading Hauter’s advice regarding role models has prompted me to look into finding a role model for myself. I do not currently have one, and I believe having one would be beneficial.
Citations:
Hauter, J. (1993). Overcoming personal and professional roadblocks In The smart woman’s guide to career success. (pp. 79–90). Hawthorne, NJ: Career Press
Role model. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role model
