by Susan Young
1) How do you define the term "role model?"
Someone who is doing well in a particular field and whom one can aspire to learn and emulate.
2) Do you consider yourself a role model?
Yes
3) Who has served as a role model for you?
Doris Avila has been a great role model for me but there are others as well.
4) What is your greatest responsibility as a role model?
It’s important that you are teaching and mentoring those people coming along beside you.
5) What is the most pleasant part of being a role model?
Seeing those things you are passionate about coming alive and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
6) What is the least pleasant part of being a role model?
There is little room for error and even bad days can be hurtful.
7) What is the greatest discovery of your lifetime?
That I serve a God that loves me not as the divine accountant but simply just because.
8) Do mentors chose protégés, or vice-versa?
Cool question. I think as much as we’d like to mentor those we see gifts in, the protégés have to be willing so I don’t think mentors chose protégés. That would be nice though.
9) How important is understanding where you "came from?"
It’s only important as a reference point. We tend to get stuck there and that can cause a victim mentality so when we make it a reference point the destination becomes the focus and that, I think, propels us forward.
10) Who do you consider historically great role models?
Jesus, Ruth, Esther, Susan B. Anthony, Ida Wells-Barnett
11) Who do you consider historically but sometimes lousy role models?
President Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem
12) What common characteristics can be observed in these historic persons?
They all had a heart set upon the disadvantaged and making a difference to those in need.
13) How necessary is influence in serving as a role model?
Role Models influence by their service so it’s necessary. I think they go hand and hand.
14) How does a role model help the protégé see the potential within?
When I mentor I try to remember the example of Jesus. Watch as I do. Watch as I do and help me. Next, I watch and you do and I help you. Then you do.
15) How much time is spent correcting versus exhorting?
While correcting is necessary, it’s better to find the positives and try to bring those out so that they overshadow the negative.
16) How important is recognition of individual difference in role modeling?
Very important. No one is ever going to do things exactly as you do.
17) What personal characteristics best relate to serving as a role model?
Being able to communicate your heart and your passion is essential. Being stable and trustworthy, being able to let go of ownership and being social helps.
18) How important is patience in serving as a role model?
Without it you will frustrate yourself and kill your protégé.
19) What role does an outgoing personality have in serving as a role model?
I think that in order to motivate you’ve got to be outgoing.
20) Do you impart a personal message of overcoming?
Always.
21) Does a role model empower others through decision-making?
Yes, when the people you are leading feel that you know what you are doing, they’ll follow.
22) How powerful a force is a positive attitude in role modeling?
No one wants to follow a negative cause.
23) What part does humility play in role modeling?
I think if we lose humility we lose our ability to role model.
24) Is it necessary that a role model serve in the same profession as the protégé desires to be in?
No.
25) Are professional athletes and other celebrities’ good role models?
I don’t think we can point to a profession. I think we’d have to look at the person individually.
26) How important is inspiration in serving as a role model?
You have to be able to inspire others so you have to be inspired.
27) Do personal habits count in serving as a role model?
Yes.
28) How important is physical importance in serving as a role model?
As in appearance? I guess it depends. If I am role modeling fitness then I should well and take care of myself and be someone who doesn’t do things that harm my body. If I’m a chef and I’m overweight then I hear that makes you trustworthy.
29) Does clothing impact your function as a role model?
Again, I guess it depends. I think it’s more important to be clean and put together, dressing appropriately for the field you’re in.
30) Is anything more important than vision-casting for a role model?
Belief in what you’re doing and knowing where you’re wanting to go is the key. So probably not.
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