Be a role model in your business

If you want your staff to follow and respect your company’s code of conduct, you need to set the example. From the CEO to the admin workers, all staff members need to be unified in a commitment to the values and strategic objectives of the company. This goes for things as intrinsically important as communication between colleagues, and customer service.

If you want your employees to all to wear a particular uniform, for instance, then upper management should lead by example. It sends a message that no one is above wearing it, and everyone is committed to enhancing the company’s image. And after all, wearing a uniform looks smart and professional, and conveys a sense of pride in the company.

Being a role model as a manager, whether it’s by wearing the company uniform, or helping a junior employee with a customer, can help create a dedicated, loyal, and happy staff throughout all levels of the organisation.

So, what characteristics does a role model have? Here are a few.

Dedication

A dedicated worker is someone who regularly goes beyond the call of duty to get a job done. A dedicated worker exceeds expectations, rather than merely performing to minimum requirements, and always tries to perform to the best of their ability.

Loyalty

By loyalty, I don’t mean someone who sticks with a company for an extended period of time. I’m referring to people that – when they are at the company – take pride in that company’s success. These are people who aren’t just working for a pay packet but derive genuine satisfaction from seeing the organisation they work for flourish, regardless of whether it results in personal material gain.

Skills

People with superior skills are often role models, whether they choose to be or not. By the very nature of them having a skill set that many people aspire to, they inspire others to improve their own skills.

Generosity

Most high-performing, successful workers are very busy, but several of them still give a lot of their time to training, mentoring, or coaching others. A person at the top of their game who genuinely wants the people around them to improve has a real role model characteristic.

Consistency

There are a number of factors in the workplace and in one’s personal life that can affect work performance, but some people consistently perform at a high level. The ability to be organised, focused, and committed enough to achieve high results consistently is an admirable trait.

Enthusiasm

We’re not always thrilled by the thought of going to work. “Mondayitis”, some people call it. But good role models will have that kind of infectious energy that naturally inspires others. Through their enthusiasm and eagerness, other employees automatically want to come along for the ride. Of course, that enthusiasm has to be genuine for it to be believable.

So there you have it, a few characteristics that role models share. Every workplace needs a role model, and while you need to be a role model at the top, all role models do not necessarily have to be in a position of superiority. They just have to take it upon themselves to set the example. That is the main message here – set the right example, and others will follow.