Last week in an all-company meeting, one of our senior leaders at Incite reflected on what it means to be a role model – and how regardless of level and experience we can all be role models.
“I’ve learnt so much from observing many of you – whether that’s how you write an email, how you act in meetings, your energy in the office or how you interact with clients.”
It was a simple statement, but it captured something important: being a role model isn’t about job titles or years of experience – it’s about behaviours.
Whether we notice it or not, we are all being observed at work. The way we respond to feedback, how we prepare for a meeting, or even just how we chat to and interact with colleagues in the office. Consciously or unconsciously others will imbibe our behaviours, so these everyday actions quietly shape how others behave too.
And while this isn’t unique to the insights sector, it’s universally relevant: in any workplace, culture is created less by what leaders say and more by what people do.
📢 Busting the myths of role modelling
There are a few common misconceptions about role models but here’s what it looks like in reality:
- Role modelling is about behaviour, not title. You don’t need a leadership role to influence others.
- Authenticity is more powerful than perfection. People connect with honesty and consistency, not flawless façades.
- Everyday actions not big achievements. The smaller things are what others are more likely to notice and emulate.
- Actions speak louder than instructions. How you work and treat people communicates far more than just telling people what to do.
- Small behaviours have a cumulative impact. Over time, behaviours add up and shape team dynamics and norms.
- Role modelling is often most impactful in your immediate circle. Behaviours are more likely to be imbibed where your example is visible and relatable.
💡 Three ways to be an intentional role model
If we’re all role models already, the key question becomes: how can we do it well?
- Decide your focus. Ask yourself: what do I already feel comfortable, consistent and capable in? These strengths are often your natural foundation for role modelling. To get a different perspective, ask a trusted colleague what stands out about how you work – their feedback might surprise you.
- Borrow brilliance. Think about the role models in your own career. What do they do that inspires you? Is it the way they lead meetings, handle setbacks, or make people feel heard? Observe closely, then adapt what resonates into a version that feels authentic to you.
- Put it into practice. Role modelling works best when it’s intentional. Consider what you’d like others to notice in your everyday work. Maybe it’s your attitude or energy in the office, how you balance rigour with empathy, or how you create space for others’ ideas. These small, consistent actions are what leave lasting impressions.
✨ Everyday impact
The most powerful role models aren’t necessarily those giving keynote speeches on conference stages or launching their own leadership podcasts. Often, they’re the colleagues right beside us, the ones whose behaviours we notice day after day.
That’s why being conscious of the example we set is so important. We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to be consistent, authentic, and aware that someone is always learning from how we show up.
