Finding Role Models When None Seem to Fit

Do you look at the leaders around you and feel like none of them reflect the leader you want to become?

As a frontline leader, finding a role model who reflects your values, challenges, and leadership style can be both immensely challenging and empowering. So what do you do when you look around and struggle to find leaders who resonate with your vision or the way you see yourself leading? 

Role models play a pivotal role in shaping our leadership style and approach. They serve as guides, providing inspiration and practical tips for navigating challenges and making decisions. For leaders in the frontline sandwich, having a relatable figure to emulate can help enormously when we are facing complex situations, help us build confidence, and reinforce our commitment to personal and professional growth.

Are you feeling a leadership void?

Many leaders find themselves in environments where the prevailing leadership models don’t align with their personal values or how we want to be. This misalignment can leave us feeling isolated and can even stifle our leadership development. 

If this is you, it’s time to create and find your own role models who inspire not just effective management but also resonate with your ideals and the authentic leadership identity you want to build.

Know what you are looking for.

The first step is to know what kind of leader you want to be and the behaviours you want to bring to your leadership that will support the impact you want to have.   Identify the leadership qualities you admire, or you are drawn to such as integrity, empathy, resilience, or transparency. 

Consider the challenges you face in your role and what skills would help you overcome these. Once you have a clear picture of the qualities you want to develop, look for individuals who not only embody these traits but also have demonstrated them through actions and decisions. 

Knowing what you value can help you to know what kind of role model you are looking for, even if their context differs from yours.  Keep in mind that a role model doesn’t need to be perfect; they just need to exhibit strengths in areas where you seek growth. 

Look beyond your immediate network.

Sometimes, the best role models come from entirely different fields. Their experiences and styles can offer fresh perspectives that are applicable to your own leadership context.

Leverage digital platforms such as LinkedIn, industry forums, and other professional networks to connect with and learn from leaders worldwide. Talk to the leaders around you and see if they know any leaders in their network they could introduce you to.

Start Engaging.

Without a guiding figure to inspire and influence, it’s easy for us to become stagnant or miss opportunities for growth. Finding a role model requires you to be an active participant, not just sit back and follow along on LinkedIn.  

Don’t hesitate to contact leaders you admire to ask for advice, engage with their content and once you have a relationship even request an ongoing mentorship arrangement. In my experience most people are willing to share their knowledge.

Participating in leadership workshops, meetups and groups can connect you with potential role models and mentors.  Seize the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and request one on one meetings where you think they may be a good fit for you.

Remember, the responsibility to shape your leadership development lies with you. By actively pursuing relationships and insights from admired leaders, you create a dynamic environment for your own growth and evolution as a leader.

Finding the right role models is about looking beyond traditional boundaries and being proactive in your leadership development. By broadening your network and actively engaging with diverse leadership voices, you can piece together a range of influences that support you in becoming the leader you want to be. If you are feeling the leadership void, there is a good chance other leaders around you are too.  In the absence of suitable role models, dare to set the standard for others.