The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our lives. Sometimes their influence is negative, such as when a teenager experiences peer pressure or bullying. But people can impact our lives positively as well. We call them role models. They are usually more experienced in life but share similarities that help them connect with us at crucial life stages.

Choosing a good role model can set you up for the rest of your life. A positive role model can also assist in your professional development. According to MENTOR, 74% of adults who had a meaningful mentor in their lives say they contributed to their success in life. So, it is important to understand what makes a good role model and what to look for in selecting one. Ahead, we define and provide examples of role models. We also share six characteristics of a role model that can be applicable to a mentor or mentee.

What Is a Role Model?

A role model is someone who positively influences another person through actions and words. A good role model can come in many forms, such as mentors, family members and professional connections. Being a positive influence in the lives of others is a powerful form of representation. This is especially important for communities that often lack access to resources. Seeing someone from your community succeed can inspire a positive mindset that might otherwise be harder to develop.

What Are Examples of a Role Model?

You can find a role model in many different people throughout your life. Each can offer you a unique perspective that can expand your worldview. Here are some examples of role models:

1. Mentors: Mentorship programs are a common way for people to find role models. Some examples include community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and academic mentorship programs at high schools and universities.
2. Teachers: When a person becomes an educator, they also become a mentor to their students. This can be particularly valuable for students whose parents are less available to them.
3. Coaches: Participating in sports helps students learn valuable lessons and develop interpersonal skills. Their coaches become role models in terms of self-discipline and sportsmanship.
4. Philanthropic Leaders: Giving is a central trait of leadership. Philanthropic leaders can be great role models for people looking for guidance on how to contribute to their communities.
5. Business Leaders: The decisions business leaders make impact the lives of consumers and can have a wider influence on society. That is why it is important for them to be positive role models.
6. Political Figures: Becoming a public servant makes you a role model for your constituents.
7. Religious Leaders: Religious leaders take on a pastoral and spiritual role that requires them to model good behavior. They share the tenets of their religion in messages of inspiration to their congregations. But they also show how to live those tenets through their actions in congregations and communities.
8. Parents and Guardians: The first role model for most people is their parents or guardians. They are our first teachers, our caretakers and show us how to approach the world. That is why parents and guardians take the role of being a role model to their children very seriously.

Why Are Role Models Important?

Role models are important because they offer a blueprint for young people to model their lives after. There will always be bad examples and people who become well-known for doing the wrong thing. That is why there is always a need for role models to counterbalance the wrong with examples of how to do the right thing. Finding a good role model is also a form of professional networking. The relationship you form with your mentors can open doors that might otherwise be difficult to open on your own.

6 Characteristics of a Good Role Model

How do you know if you would make a good role model? And if you are looking for a good role model, what traits should you look for? Here are six characteristics of a role model you can rely on:

1. Ability to Overcome Adversity

Having a positive role model can be especially crucial when you experience adversity. During periods of difficulty, having a role model who has experienced similar situations can be helpful. For example, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was once mistaken for a secretary while working as an associate attorney early in her career. Instead of letting it bring her down, she shares the story to inspire others to pursue their goals.

2. Desire to Help Others

A good role model has a desire to help others succeed in life. Building a sense of community uplifts others and creates onramps to success for generations to follow. While many people find success in life, not all become good role models. Having a desire to give back shows a sense of gratitude for success and the success of others. On the path to success, it takes many people to help one person succeed. So, it is important to cultivate a sense of community.

3. Life Experience

Your life experiences shape your perspective of the world and critical issues. Role models should encourage you to consider different perspectives and provide guidance. Whether in business, politics or academia, finding a mentor can make a big difference. 

Investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith often shares the story of how he found a mentor at his first internship at Bell Labs. In the video below, he discusses how mentorship can create an “aperture of opportunity” for communities you care about.