Throughout life we are surrounded by role models - both good and bad. As children we learn by watching others and by trying things out for ourselves. And this process never stops - even when we get older. We are all constantly learning as we experience life and work.
One of the best things about a role model or mentor is that they can help focus and direct the growth of our own natural abilities so that we can unlock our untapped potential.
What is a role model
One definition is someone 'worthy of imitation'. A role model is a person you look to, to see how she or he deals with different people, situations and problems. This could be someone with exceptional ability and skills, or a more modest achiever. But we can also learn how not to behave from the people we consider to be bad role models, as their inappropriate behaviours also remain in our memory.
In situations where we are inexperienced or vulnerable, we sometimes learn poor practices and behaviour from someone who is presented to us as a role model. It may only be later, when we gain confidence and are more discriminating in recognising good and bad practice, that we begin to challenge the practices we learned from them.
Usually we find our role models without conscious effort. The way a particular person practices appeals to us, and we want to emulate it. Or the way someone else practices seems inadequate to us, and we don't want to become like them. Generally, in choosing our role models we rely on instinct. However it is worth thinking about why we admire the people we do, considering not only what they have achieved but also how they have achieved it.
Being a role model
One of the most powerful ways in which we learn physical, communication and caring skills is through the medium of role models. But we don't just look to role models for our own development - whether we are aware of it or not, we are also role models to others. Sometimes there is a lack of good role models and we need to present ourselves much more actively and overtly as role models.
As a role model we need to be aware that our actions, attitudes and demeanour are being examined by those observing us - perhaps interpreted differently to the way we intended them. This brings with it a lot of responsibility, and some anxiety. It can certainly make us feel self-conscious about what we do - nobody likes being scrutinised while they work! However we don't need to be perfect! If we are positive in our attitudes, and willing to learn from our mistakes, others will benefit more from observing us than if we were faultless.
One of the best things about being a role model is that we can help others to develop their abilities whilst simultaneously developing our own. This can be a hugely rewarding experience, enabling us to recognise quite how much knowledge, experience and skill we do have. These are things that otherwise we may not see, nor value highly enough. But this recognition is the basis of our confidence in our own abilities.
Tips and tricks
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What is it about the people you see as a role models? - is it their attitudes and behaviour that you really value, or their skills and expertise? We often admire people who have beliefs and values we subscribe to, but a good role model should also challenge and stretch the things we believe in.
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Be aware of the responsibility of being a role model – those who are learning from you may absorb the negative as well as the positive aspects of your behaviour. In particular, deal well with your mistakes - don't try to hide them, but let others see how you resolve and learn from them.
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A role model can also be a mentor - don't just watch them, but try to get to know them and talk to them. In this way, they can share experiences and knowledge that may not be obvious in what they do. And the more they understand you, they can explain things that will be helpful for your learning.
Further reading
Benner P (1984) From Novice to Expert:
Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison Wesley Publishing, California
Kirkham M (1999) The culture of midwifery in the National Health Service in England.
Journal of Advanced Nursing 30 (3): 732-739
Learning and teaching in the context of clinical practice: the midwife as role model.
MIDIRS Midwifery Digest (2003) 13 (4): 453-454.
Stone Zander R, Zander B (2000)
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life Harvard Business School Press, Boston
