A role model is someone who doesn’t necessarily tell you what to do but rather shows you how to act, react, live, work and improve through their good example. When you are in a managerial position, you are automatically seen as a leader within your organisation. Leaders are always observed closely whether it is by their own team members or by outsiders. Your leadership title places you in an advantageous position to be a good role model. In fact, it is the responsibility of every person in a leadership position to set a good example and lead to inspire. Here’s how:
5 Steps to Becoming a Great Role Model Manager
Frank Serpico said, “We need good role models, and they have to start at the top.” Managers have a great opportunity to learn how to be good role models for their subordinates. Role models are important in the workplace because they:
- increase the staff morale,
- they establish a positive work environment,
- they establish better communication,
- they motivate others,
- and they inspire wholesome rivalry.
To become a good role model, follow these steps:
1. Be You
People aspire to be like someone they can look up to and if you are authentic, it makes relating to you, much easier. There is enough fake in this world. Authenticity helps to build trust and respect which makes employees want to follow a good leader and role model.
2. Gain Trust and Respect
Trust and respect can only be earned and does not come overnight. It is part of the process of being a good role model. If you keep to your word and are honest with your employees, they will learn to trust and respect you. When you can achieve this, you will automatically become someone they can look up to.
3. Lead to Inspire
Attitude is what sets a role model manager apart from the other managers. If you have a positive “can-do” and “go-getter” attitude, you will be able to develop a positive work culture through the positive example you set, and this attitude will also become contagious. This will help you influence and lead to inspiring others. When people are inspired, they become passionate about their work. Their productivity and work quality will increase naturally.
4. Live with Integrity and Accountability
Integrity is selflessness. A good manager who is a good role model base their decisions on bettering the business and developing the skills of their subordinates rather than focussing on their own needs. To take responsibility when things go wrong or to give credit to who it is due, is a vital part of setting a good example. Don’t pretend to be perfect. Your employees need to see that you don’t have it all figured out. They need to see that when you fail, you rectify the situation or when you “fall”, how you stand up again and continue fighting the good fight.
5. Encourage and be Supportive
Be a role model who not only guides and encourages your employees but also becomes their support structure. Someone they can rely on and someone who will understand with empathy.
Start setting the stage for role models within your organisation. If managers can follow the above steps, they can develop the qualities and skills necessary to be good role models. In the end, it is your actions that influence and enhances your employees’ performance. If you are a good role model for your employees, you will also encourage your fellow managers to strive to become good role models themselves.