WHAT IS A ROLE MODEL?
The term role model
generally means any "person who serves as an example; whose behaviour is
emulated by others".
Other descriptions include:
A person whose behaviour, example or success is, or can be emulated by others, especially by young people
A person who someone admires and whose behaviour they try to copy
SURVEYS
The term first appeared in a
research report of medical students carried out by Robert K. Merton, a
distinguished American sociologist.
Merton suggested that
individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the
social role to which the individual aspires.
Merton emphasised that,
rather than a person assuming one role and one status, they have a status set within
a social structure that has attached to it a whole set of expected behaviours.
According to a survey of
teachers in the United Kingdom conducted in 2008 by the Association of Teachers
and Lecturers young people frequently chose role models from celebrity or
popular culture
CHOOSE TO BE A ROLE MODEL
A well-known ex-player and presenter on a national sports talk station,
infamously perpetuates that professional players are not role models. That is
not their job, nor is it one of the requirements of the position of
professional player.
I strongly believe this is a flawed argument.
You can choose to act as a role model, or not. However, especially if
you are in a position of influence or in the public eye, someone may deliberately,
or sub-consciously, choose YOU as THEIR role model, whether or not you
choose to ACT as a role model.
A PROFESSIONAL’S VIEW
When professional basketball player Charles Barkley stated in a
commercial “I am not a role model”
Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz offered this simple response:
“We do not choose to be role models. We are chosen.”
Plato observed centuries ago that young people would imitate the
behaviours of bad role models as readily as those of good role models
So, I believe that, as coaches and therefore directly in a position of
at least some influence, it is important to recognise that we all have the
ability to inspire those around us by demonstrating values that are more
outwardly than inwardly focused.
We can do our part to make the world a better place, and to help and
guide the players in our charge to be good and positive citizens through our daily
actions. It is not only by what we say but more importantly by how we
demonstrate positive behaviours that we hope will serve as an inspiration to
others.
We can all be good role models when things are going well, but it is the
behaviours we demonstrate and the adherence to our values and moral compass
when things go less well that separate the GOOD role models from the role
models.
5 Ways in which to ACT as a
role model:
- Be passionate (but controlled) about your area of expertise or interest and demonstrate inspirational behaviour
- Develop and demonstrate a clear set of values (Integrity means doing the right thing even when no-one is watching !)
- Show a commitment to community
- Be selfless and show consideration for and acceptance of others
- Demonstrate tenacity and an ability to overcome obstacles
“ No printed word, nor spoken
plea can teach young minds what they should be.
Not all the books on all the
shelves – but what the teachers are themselves.” -
Rudyard
Kipling
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