Learning happens in many ways, from reading books to attending workshops. However, one of the best ways to learn is by observing others in action and seeing how they behave in certain situations.
For example, we know that actors learn by watching other actors perform, and professional athletes hone specific skills by observing fellow athletes.
This is where role models come into play. They are individuals whose behaviour and success provide practical examples for you to follow.
How do you identify role models? First, start by looking around you. Your role models might be colleagues, managers, or even family members. They could also be professionals in your field whom you’ve never met but admire from afar.
For example, a senior business leader in the community, a political leader, or a well-known TV personality, could be one of your role models.
Then, think about what you can learn from them. It might be their communication skills, leadership traits, or behaviour in stressful situations.
Remember that the type of role model you may need will differ as your career advances. Early in your career, you might seek role models who excel in technical skills or networking. Later in your career, you might seek insights from those who have mastered leadership or strategic thinking.
If one or more of your role models is reachable, try to engage with them. Interestingly, some people feel it is a sign of weakness to ask others for advice. To me, it shows initiative and self-assurance, not weakness. If you admire someone’s skills or behaviour, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.
Lastly, learning what not to do is just as valuable as learning what to do. We can all learn from the mistakes of others and determine how we would handle similar situations differently.