Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Replica

I love the idea of role models. People to look up to, admire, emulate. Many of us have them whether we realize it or not: family members, athletesworld leadersthose that stood up for humanity in the face of tyranny...my list could go on and on. It occurred to me that now that I've hit a certain point in my life both personally and professionally, I may be in the line of sight for someone as their role model.

That feels like a bigger responsibility than I expected.

I Didn't Sign Up For This
I've heard many "famous" people say they don't want to be a role model. They just want to live their life the way they want to, and not be bothered with the impact of their actions on others, particularly younger people paying close attention. 

The same may be true for those of us in leadership. Maybe we would prefer to simply focus on our task list and not worry about the impact of our words and actions in the workplace, particularly on those employees around us who are paying close attention.


But leadership doesn't work that way.

Leadership is a Privilege
One of the things my role models taught me is that I did not inherit my role. I was not born into a position of status in my organization that automatically bestows some sort of magical power. I have to remember that the people around me are expecting me to deliver for them, not the other way around. If I do my job it will be much easier for them to do theirs.

How About You
Who are the role models in your life? More importantly, what have you learned from them that now has others naming you as one of their role models?  I hope someday I end up on a list like that too.


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.



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