Being a role model is a big responsibility, especially when you’re on the job. How can you set a great example for your peers without setting impossible expectations for yourself? Don’t worry–you’ve come to the right place. We’ve outlined plenty of simple qualities and characteristics associated with good role models, as well as easy ways to apply those traits in the moment. When the next workday rolls around, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward!

3

Respect everyone around you.

5

Share constructive feedback.

  1. Role models give their peers plenty of opportunities to improve. Take a moment to acknowledge how hard your teammate has worked, and let them know how they can make their next draft or revision even stronger. Keep your tone clear, kind, and direct, so your peer completely understands how to do an even better job in the future.[8] You might say:
    • “I appreciate all the hard work you put into this draft. Would you mind giving it another read-through for small errors and typos?”
    • “Your eye contact felt a bit spotty during the presentation. I totally get where you’re coming from–I find that it helps to look at different people when I’m speaking to a crowd.”
  2. Advertisement
6

Push yourself to keep learning.

  1. A true role model always wants to improve and is never satisfied with complacency. Pay close attention to both your peers and superiors and see how they do things. Is there anything you can learn from them? Is there any way you can apply their skills and work ethic to your own? The more you’re willing to learn and grow, the more of a role model you’ll be to the people around you.[9]
    • If you’d really like to go the extra mile, enroll in a class or degree program that’s related to your career path.
    • You might practice using a difficult piece of software over the weekend so you feel more comfortable with it during the workweek.
7

Admit when you do something wrong.

8

Set high goals.

  1. True role models expect great things from both themselves and their peers. Remind your teammates that they’re capable of really great things, and they can accomplish just about anything if they put their minds to it.[11] Here are a few ideas:
    • “I’m hoping to finish this assignment by the end of the week.”
    • “It would be great if we could submit this project by next Wednesday.”
    • “I know that we can get this done by the deadline.”
    • Make sure that your goals are still manageable, though! Always be honest with yourself about what you're able to complete in a given timeframe.[12]
9

Live life with integrity.

  1. A good role model thrives on fairness and honesty. Treat everyone equally, and don’t give out special favors to a certain handful of people.[13] Your peers are more likely to look up to you if you give everyone the same opportunities.[14] If you notice someone acting or behaving unfairly, don’t be afraid to call them out, either! True integrity involves holding everyone accountable, including yourself.[15]
    • For example, don’t offer to proofread one co-worker’s writing but refuse to help another. Instead, wait until you have enough time to help multiple people at once.
    • Don’t tell one co-worker about a cool new work opportunity but leave your other, equally-qualified teammate in the dark.
  2. Advertisement
11

Enjoy your day-to-day work.

  1. Role models embrace their job even when things are slow. They aren’t counting down the hours until they leave for the day; instead, they make the most of every minute they’re at work until it’s time to clock out. This doesn’t mean that you have to love every aspect of your job, though! Just focus on the aspects of your work that you like the most, and get your enjoyment from there.[17]
    • Enjoying your job actually helps you get more satisfaction in the long run.
    • Try breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, and then completing each manageable chunk before moving onto the next one.[18] This might help you feel more productive and in-the-zone during the workday!
  2. Advertisement
12

Approach life with optimism.

  1. Optimism offers more opportunities for growth than pessimism. Being a good role model is all about learning how to roll with the punches and make the best out of a bad situation. Focus on resiliency instead of negativity–your peers will appreciative the positivity, and may even take a page out of your book.[19] Try approaching a negative situation one of these ways:
    • “It stinks that we didn’t meet our monthly goal, but now we’re ahead of the game for the next month!”
    • “We might not have made as much money as we hoped, but now we can make a more targeted marketing strategy toward our customers.”

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can I embody my role model's behavior?
    Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
    Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Dr. Jennifer Guttman, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and the Founder of the Sustainable Life Satisfaction®, a motivational and lifestyle platform. With over 30 years of experience and practice in New York City and Westport, Dr. Guttman specializes in treating people struggling with acute behavioral disorders stemming from anxiety, depression, stress, attention deficit, and phobias. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drew University and a Doctor of Psychology from Long Island University. Dr. Guttman is the author of "A Path To Life Satisfaction Workbook (2018),” a monthly blog contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global, and a contributor to articles in major publications, media sites, and podcasts including The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Redbook, Teen Vogue, Health, mindbodygreen.com, Harvesting Happiness, and Unshakable Self-Confidence.
    Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    First, determine what traits you admire in your role model and write them down. Identify the ways you may already be modeling some of those behaviors already. Then, try to find your "room for improvement" traits and work on those!
Advertisement

About This Article

Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
Co-authored by:
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
This article was co-authored by Jennifer Guttman, PsyD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Jennifer Guttman, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and the Founder of the Sustainable Life Satisfaction®, a motivational and lifestyle platform. With over 30 years of experience and practice in New York City and Westport, Dr. Guttman specializes in treating people struggling with acute behavioral disorders stemming from anxiety, depression, stress, attention deficit, and phobias. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drew University and a Doctor of Psychology from Long Island University. Dr. Guttman is the author of "A Path To Life Satisfaction Workbook (2018),” a monthly blog contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global, and a contributor to articles in major publications, media sites, and podcasts including The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Redbook, Teen Vogue, Health, mindbodygreen.com, Harvesting Happiness, and Unshakable Self-Confidence. This article has been viewed 264,745 times.
2 votes - 30%
Co-authors: 32
Updated: November 11, 2022
Views: 264,745
Article SummaryX

When you’re trying to be a role model, setting a good example is key. For example, if you want to teach your kids to be kind, reinforce the lesson by being kind to others. It’s also important to let those who look up to you know that it’s okay to be imperfect by owning up to your mistakes and apologizing. Additionally, be consistent with your words and actions, and always do your best to follow through if you say you are going to do something. If you’re a teacher, keep reading to learn how to be a role model for your students!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement