Being a Workplace Role Model
Great role models are hard to find. What may be even harder is to replicate them. Are you a good workplace role model?
Certainly, role models may be situational. The role model lifeguard is likely a much different skillset when compared with a role model at the local factory, hospital, or burger joint.
Admiration and Leadership
Role models are often admired for leadership traits. How well do they lead under pressure? What keeps them driven and yet well-grounded every day? How do they stay motivated and professional at all times?
People have many common characteristics. One person likes to have some down time as much as the other. Many have interests or hobbies that are outside of the normal scope of their work.
Discipline and willpower may guide some of the best role models. What are some things that great role models don’t do?
Great role models don’t:
- act on impulse
- tell other people off
- show up late
- lose interest easily
- complain
This is a short list, the entire list is long. They are often great role models because they are masters of control, are willing to endure emotional labor, and care about the outcomes of their actions and behaviors.
Workplace Role Model
A great workplace role model doesn’t show up only when someone is watching. They are always watching for the next place to show up. They arrive and walk in like a pro. There is something in the air about their presence, not just when it aligns with something they love, all the time, good or bad.
The truly great ones will keep their promises, they don’t need to tell you that they are great, it shows. They are authentic, valued, and respected.
They do the work they don’t feel like doing, the work that is old, tired, and boring. Listening is important so they do it twice as much as talking.
Are you a good workplace role model?
– DEG
Originally posted on December 29, 2017, last updated on November 5, 2018.
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
