Let’s hear it for the role models
Today’s Wall Street Journal included an article titled: “Pile on Mentors in Tough Times.” Here’s the lead.
“In this economy, you need to take advantage of every available resource to propel your career. Finding a mentor—and preferably a network of mentors—is an easy and smart way to get started. And, it won’t set you back financially the way hiring a career coach would.”
Don’t get me wrong, I think mentors are important. I’ve had some great ones and I’ve been honored to be one. But mentors aren’t the only game in town when it comes to career development.
Let’s think for a moment about role models. They’re people that you use to help you decide how to act in specific situations. The idea is to ask yourself, “How would my role model handle this?” and act accordingly.
Role models can help in social situations. When I was first starting in business, I didn’t really have a clue about how to dress. My father was a Lutheran pastor who wore clericals most of the time. And Marine grooming seemed a bit extreme for business.
My solution was to imagine how John would dress in any situation. John was a businessman and friend of my family. He was always impeccably groomed. When I wondered what to wear or to buy I would ask, “What would John wear?”
Role models can help in general business situations. Put three people together and politics will be there with them. I’ve always been a little tone deaf to organizational politics.
Jim is my role model for thriving in organizational situations. He’s retired now and he has an exquisite sense of how the political currents are moving in an organization. I ask myself, “What would Jim look for?” to improve my own awareness.
Role models can help in supervisory situations. Identify a good boss whose style is similar to your own. Then, when you’re facing a supervisory situation ask, “What would my role model do?”
You can even be your own role model. Years ago, my friend, Jim Cathcart, taught me that one of your role models can be your future self. When you wonder what to do, Jim’s suggestion is to ask: “How would the person I want to be handle this?”
October 6th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I really like the idea of being your own role model. I have been known to say to myself, “If I wasn’t so frustrated with so and so and really wanted to help her grow, what would I say.” Ah, if people could see what goes on in my head, they’d be amazed at the activity!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Wally – excellent points about role models. They can make a huge difference both directly and indirectly. I always encourage people to seek out one or even more if possible, especially at a junior level.
October 11th, 2009 at 8:55 am
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October 12th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Your sentence that you can be your own role model is the most powerful thought for me. Mentors are great, but it’s even greater if you can mentor yourself.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:06 pm
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