How to Avoid Being a Bad Role Model: 5 Keys

Anne was the vice president of a national wealth management organization who was being considered for a more senior role. She realized that this would position her to be of greater influence to the other employees in the organization, and reached out to me for help.

“I just stumbled my way to leadership on my own. So, even though I’ve helped others along the way, I feel I could be much more effective,” she said. “I would like to be a role model that can help others get ahead.”

Over the next few months, Anne and I worked on sharpening and flexing her leadership brand.* This sparked new energy and confidence for her in her ability to lead, and it showed well in her decision-making and calculated risk-taking. The organization benefited greatly, and by the time she stepped into the new position, she was confident of influencing others with greatest impact.

A year later, I checked in with Anne, and we celebrated her success together. She shared her thoughts on what she felt makes a great role model. I agreed with her points – and have summed them up here:

1. Live your values with confidence. Are you consistent in practicing these values? Or are there habits and behaviors that you need to shed so that you lead with integrity and confidence?
2. Celebrate being unique. And celebrate the uniqueness of others. The entire team brings strengths and talents to the table. Seek to make sure all of these are recognized and invited to be part of the larger picture.
3. Be humble and willing to admit mistakes. Show others it’s okay to step out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks. And when it doesn’t work, or you misstep in your leadership in some other way, be willing to admit your mistakes so that others have permission to grow, as well.
4. Show respect and concern for others. Sometimes we can get busy leading and forget to take a look around. Don’t take others for granted – make sure you recognize and acknowledge those around you.
5. Seek to do good in the community. Commitment to a great cause can indicate a strong commitment to business. But beyond this, and more importantly, take the time do take action in doing good – simply because you can.

We influence others through our behavior, and can inspire greatness in others, or engender mediocrity. The choice is not really whether we want to become a role model, but rather, what kind of role model we want to be. What about you?

*  For more information on how to define and strengthen your leadership brand, see my previous article “Inspire!  Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level.”

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.