A role model is someone who positively influences another person through actions and words. A good role model can come in many forms, such as mentors, family members and professional connections. Being a positive influence in the lives of others is a powerful form of representation. This is especially important for communities that often lack access to resources. Seeing someone from your community succeed can inspire a positive mindset that might otherwise be harder to develop.
When we think of role models, we’re often drawn to people who have not only achieved great success but also embody qualities we admire and strive to develop within ourselves. These individuals show us that it’s not just talent or luck that matters, but hard work, resilience, and staying true to one’s values. Let’s look deeper into the examples of Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai:
Nelson Mandela:
Mandela’s story is one of incredible perseverance in the face of adversity. He spent 27 years in prison for standing up against apartheid, yet even after that time, he emerged not with bitterness, but with a focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. His life teaches us about the power of resilience. No matter how difficult the circumstances, he never gave up on his cause.
He also taught the world about leadership rooted in humility. Instead of seeking revenge or seeking power for himself, he wanted to create a fair and just society. His commitment to forgiveness allowed South Africa to transition peacefully from a deeply segregated society to one that embraced unity.
Malala Yousafzai:
Malala’s story is one of courage, conviction, and determination. As a young girl, she stood up for education in Pakistan, where many girls were denied that basic right. Despite being shot by the Taliban for her activism, Malala did not back down. Instead, she turned the attack into a powerful message for change, becoming a global advocate for girls’ education.
Malala’s journey teaches us the importance of fighting for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s a reminder that no matter your age or background, you can create a profound impact in the world. Her unwavering focus on education as the key to empowerment shows how deeply committed she is to making the world a better place, not just for herself but for others.
What Are Examples of a Role Model?
You can find a role model in many different people throughout your life. Each can offer you a unique perspective that can expand your worldview. Here are some examples of role models:
- Mentors: Mentorship programs are a common way for people to find role models. Some examples include community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and academic mentorship programs at high schools and universities.
- Teachers: When a person becomes an educator, they also become a mentor to their students. This can be particularly valuable for students whose parents are less available to them.
- Coaches: Participating in sports helps students learn valuable lessons and develop interpersonal skills. Their coaches become role models in terms of self-discipline and sportsmanship.
- Philanthropic Leaders: Giving is a central trait of leadership. Philanthropic leaders can be great role models for people looking for guidance on how to contribute to their communities.
- Business Leaders: The decisions business leaders make impact the lives of consumers and can have a wider influence on society. That is why it is important for them to be positive role models.
- Political Figures: Becoming a public servant makes you a role model for your constituents.
- Religious Leaders: Religious leaders take on a pastoral and spiritual role that requires them to model good behavior. They share the tenets of their religion in messages of inspiration to their congregations. But they also show how to live those tenets through their actions in congregations and communities.
- Parents and Guardians: The first role model for most people is their parents or guardians. They are our first teachers, our caretakers and show us how to approach the world. That is why parents and guardians take the role of being a role model to their children very seriously.
Why Are Role Models Important?
Role models are important because they offer a blueprint for young people to model their lives after. There will always be bad examples and people who become well-known for doing the wrong thing. That is why there is always a need for role models to counterbalance the wrong with examples of how to do the right thing. Finding a good role model is also a form of professional networking. The relationship you form with your mentors can open doors that might otherwise be difficult to open on your own.
Characteristics of a Good Role Model
How do you know if you would make a good role model? And if you are looking for a good role model, what traits should you look for? Here are six characteristics of a role model you can rely on:
1. Ability to Overcome Adversity
Having a positive role model can be especially crucial when you experience adversity. During periods of difficulty, having a role model who has experienced similar situations can be helpful. For example, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was once mistaken for a secretary while working as an associate attorney early in her career. Instead of letting it bring her down, she shares the story to inspire others to pursue their goals.
2. Desire to Help Others
A good role model has a desire to help others succeed in life. Building a sense of community uplifts others and creates onramps to success for generations to follow. While many people find success in life, not all become good role models. Having a desire to give back shows a sense of gratitude for success and the success of others. On the path to success, it takes many people to help one person succeed. So, it is important to cultivate a sense of community.
3. Life Experience
Your life experiences shape your perspective of the world and critical issues. Role models should encourage you to consider different perspectives and provide guidance. Whether in business, politics or academia, finding a mentor can make a big difference.
Investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith often shares the story of how he found a mentor at his first internship at Bell Labs. In the video below, he discusses how mentorship can create an “aperture of opportunity” for communities you care about.
4. Ability to Inspire
Being able to inspire people to action is a great quality to look for in a role model. Inspirational leaders encourage positive behavior and appeal to people’s desire to have a positive impact on their communities. A great example of how a good role model can inspire young people to action is the 2008 election of President Obama. That year, 66% of Americans under 30 voted for him, the largest percentage of young voters to support a candidate since 1972. Both Mandela and Malala showed us that the best use of one’s life is in service of others. Their stories remind us that helping others—whether it’s through social justice, education, or simply standing up for the voiceless—creates a lasting impact.
5. Emotional Intelligence
Finding positive ways to express your emotions can help you succeed. A good role model should have emotional intelligence and be able to navigate challenging situations without resorting to negative behavior. This includes having self-awareness, empathy, an understanding of social cues and the ability to actively listen.
6. Authenticity
Being a good role model requires authenticity and transparency. It is important for leaders to be genuine with the people who follow them because it forms the basis of trust. Being a positive role model is not about concealing the negative things that have happened to you in your past. It is about demonstrating how you have turned those negative things around and are helping others to do the same.
7. Resilience: Life will throw obstacles your way, but how you respond to adversity defines your future. Both Mandela and Malala faced extreme challenges, but they didn’t give up. They kept moving forward because they believed in their cause.
8. Purpose-Driven Action: These role models acted out of a deep sense of purpose. Mandela didn’t just want freedom; he wanted justice. Malala didn’t just want to speak out; she wanted to ensure every girl could go to school. When you know your purpose, it gives you the strength to face tough times.
9. Humility and Compassion: Great leaders, like Mandela, show that true power comes from empathy and understanding. Malala’s humility in speaking for others, even in the face of immense challenges, inspires us to put others’ needs ahead of our own.
These qualities—resilience, purpose, humility, and compassion—are not only what make someone a remarkable role model, but they are traits we can all strive to cultivate in our own lives. When we face challenges head-on and act from a place of purpose, we can also inspire change in our communities, just like they did. Whether you are a mentor or mentee, becoming a role model can help you achieve your professional development goals. It is also a way to give back to your community and future generations.
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