What Is Your Role?

No matter who you are or what you do, being a role model to those around you is a daily opportunity we are all blessed to have. We each have roles we play in the lives of the people we interact with on a regular basis- whether that’s family members or coworkers.

Just like our aunts, uncles, siblings, parents and children each have a role in our lives, we also have one in theirs. Sometimes we so easily forget how important our roles are because we don’t always realize just how valuable we all are to each other.

When we think of the term “role model” we generally picture a professional setting- the boss who inspires the employee to work harder. But being a role model isn’t limited to professionals. We all have a role to play in the lives of those around us and we can use our roles to encourage, inspire and lead.

 

What can you do to support those around you with your role in their lives? Here are a few tips.

1. Give meaningful praise to others. While flattery inflates the ego, praise feeds the soul. Praising someone encourages them to give more energy to the things they excel at.
2. Be positive. Positivity causes “feel good hormones” to be released into our bloodstreams and frees us from our negative self-entrapment. You never know how much someone needs to hear positive words and you can take on the role of filling that need for them.
3. Listen carefully. So many times when we are listening to a friend we are actually thinking, about how we are going to respond. While we may be good-intentioned (wanting to say the right words) our friends and family need someone who genuinely listens to them more than they need the perfect response. A genuine listener is worth millions.
4. Be a leader. For some of you the word “leader” is intimidating and downright scary. But leaders come in all forms. A leader can simply be someone who considers everyone’s thoughts and brings them to a compatible decision. Try your hand at a leadership role. It may be just what everyone around you needs.

Our roles come naturally to each of us. Some of us are born listeners while others are born leaders. But good leaders can (and should) be good listeners too. In fact, the best leaders are the best listeners. No matter your role, the people in your life need these 4 things from you because all 4 of these tips make up healthy relationships. Take on each of these roles and show the people around you how much they matter.