How Role Models Influence Behavior

Are you a role model? Do you aim for perfection and seek constant admiration from others? If not, that’s okay because some people struggle with how others see them. Still, one of the main qualities of a role model is the ability to influence how others behave.

What kind of role model do you want to be? The idea of becoming a role model and maintaining that role can be very stressful; however, imagine having the power to influence someone's behavior because they want to be just like you. To some extent, role models don't intentionally seek this influence, but some people will unapologetically strive to become someone they respect and admire.

In schools, children and teenagers often look up to the popular crowd, who embody the image of what a perfect student should be. Whether the student is the captain of the basketball team or the head cheerleader, their persona can influence other teammates to work harder to become the ultimate team leader. Figuratively, physical appearance can sometimes have little to do with being a role model, as people often consider other qualities for admiration, such as intelligence, fashion sense, personality, social activism, and school spirit. The popular students are seen as the best the school has to offer; however, with great power comes great responsibility. Jealousy and envy can also be part of the dynamic, where students may be unfairly persecuted for simply being themselves.

At the workplace, employees often encounter similar situations with colleagues, supervisors, and senior management. Some tend to imitate their supervisor’s leadership style, whether authoritative or relaxed, hoping to attain the same position someday. Conversely, a supervisor may have an ineffective leadership style, which leads subordinates to adopt a different approach. Right, wrong, or indifferent, the team leader, department supervisor, or top performer indirectly influences workplace performance through their persona.

When visibility as a role model is heightened, the person must maintain a positive influence and motivate others to be authentic, even when that is not always the case. From a behavioral perspective, concepts like Groupthink, where people suppress alternative opinions to achieve a collective goal, create an unproductive environment. When decisions are made without careful thought and rely on emotions, a herd mentality develops. Regarding partisan support, individuals tend to follow their leader as constituents without examining their own beliefs. When people are unable to employ critical thinking skills in complex situations because their values depend on someone else’s behavior, it can lead to turmoil.

So, the last question is: Do you genuinely want to be a role model? The opportunity offers glamour and shine, but also great responsibility, which some people are not ready to handle. While it can be a casual title, others' behavior can be shaped for good or for harm. Therefore, a person should aim to stay true to themselves.