10 Tips for Learning by Example, Plus Engaging Better with People You Admire at Work  

Would you like to learn how to effectively identify and connect with role models who are appropriate for you?  Does you find appealing the idea of having a semi-revered figure guiding your professional life as a mentor? First, let’s distinguish between the two concepts of role model and mentor: role models are people you observe who very successfully embody social roles that you would like to emulate, but with whom you may (possibly) have no direct contact. (Although most of us grew up with role models, these can range from a parent to a famous, far-off person whom we never met.) There may thus be a gap between a recognition of the laudable qualities role models manifest, and us having the chance to interact with those persons on a daily basis.

Mentors, on the other hand, are those with whom you can connect directly, and from whom you may receive advice and/or support. Ideally, there will be those who can serve as both a role model and a mentor by providing positive examples through everyday demonstration, as well as direct interaction.  To get started on bringing the potential for that into your life, you will need to understand how to identify and learn from your role models through observation, and then how to connect with your role models to develop a professional mentoring relationship.

How to Identify and Learn From Role Models

Identify a Topic or Field About Which You Want to Learn More
Consider where you’d like your career path to go. At different points in life, you might have several potential paths in mind, or perhaps you have narrowed down the possibilities to one or two favorites. Once you have an idea of what you’re interested in, begin seeking out role models who are doing or have done what you want to do.

Start Early
Don’t start looking for role models or mentors in the middle of your job search. Always be on the lookout for people you admire so you can learn from them continually over time. Start today!

Observe their Behaviors
After you’ve identified your role models, pay attention to how they conduct themselves. For instance, look for the types of decisions they make and how they communicate. You can gain valuable insight simply through observation of their actions or, in the absence of direct interaction, by following their content. Look at the style of their LinkedIn profiles, Twitter handles, and blogs to gather actionable insights for developing your own professional public presence. Ask yourself: “How do they engage in public dialogues? What perspectives do they adopt and why? What content do they produce (e.g. books, blog, podcast) that I can learn from?”

Be a Role Model and Mentor for Others
Paying it forward and teaching others is a fantastic way to learn. Building your network in all directions — with your seniors, peers, and juniors — may present unexpected opportunities. You never know where a connection may lead, and sometimes the coordinated efforts of a team can achieve greater success than a single individual. 

Turning a Role Model into a Mentor

Go Where They Go
Attend events such as networking mixers, conferences, or seminars where your role models are likely to gather. When possible, get involved and participate by giving a presentation or by volunteering to help organize the event. The extra effort goes a long way in differentiating yourself, making it more likely that you will collide with potential mentors.

Show Interest
When you encounter your role models, introduce yourself. Remember that not all role models can or want to be mentors due to time, geographic, or other restraints. Don’t ask for favors or jobs from people when you first meet them, but instead build rapport. Show genuine interest in them and learn as much as you can about their career background, the projects they are working on now, and their biggest challenges/rewards.

Offer Support
There are three steps that can help you accomplish this:

• • • When the time comes that you need a favor, it’s more likely that a role model will answer your call if you’ve already put in some time yourself.
    • In order to provide support to a role model, first aim to learn about their priorities, what they need and what challenges they’re facing.
    • When you see an opportunity to solve a problem, to help them succeed, or to provide a positive social experience, find an appropriate way to do so.

Conduct Informational Interviews
The best way to gain specific insights and tailored advice from a role model-turned-mentor is through an informational interview. If they are willing to make time for you, be flexible to connect with them at the convenience of their schedule. Prepare questions in advance in order to show respect for their time, to demonstrate your thoughtfulness on the issues raised in your discussion, and to get the most out of the opportunity. An earlier SharpHeels article on Informational Interviews provides specific tips for how to prepare for and conduct effective interviews of this type.

Do What They Did/Follow their Advice
Once you’ve collected useful insights and advice from role models and mentors, make sure to do something with it! Part of finding success is being coachable, as pointed out in this Forbes article.  Learn effectively from others’ experiences and mistakes – rather than making them yourself – and you’ll find a faster track to success.

Stay in Touch
Be sure to maintain your network. You never know what opportunities may arise from your connections in the future. Adopt a system for regular communication that works for you, and if you are given direct advice, follow up with how your situation turned out. Update your mentors periodically about major career milestones or professional changes in your life, and if you notice that your mentor recently made a major achievement, send a congratulatory note! There are many ways you can stay in touch, and if you fall behind, reconnect!

There are many strategies and tools you can use to identify, follow, and engage with role models. The insights you gain from your observations and interactions with them, when applied appropriately, can enable you to accelerate on your path at work, and avoid repeating mistakes made previously by others. Role models are important during all phases of your career, so don’t delay with making this process part of your overall professional plan.