Vol 37: The Power of Imitation: Choosing Role Models Wisely
Emotional Adventures in the Office
Imitation is an intrinsic part of human nature. From the moment we are born, we begin to learn by mirroring the people around us: our parents, teachers, and later, the influencers and leaders we admire or follow on social media. As we mature, the people we look up to shape not just our values but also our actions, decisions, and leadership styles. But, there’s an important question wemust all ask ourselves: Are the people we imitate truly worth following?
Imitating people we admire can be empowering, but it also has risks. It's important to ensure that the traits, habits, and behaviors we adopt from others align with the kind of leaders and people wewant to be. It’s crucial to be selective about who we emulate.
Why We Imitate
Imitation behaviors are deeply rooted in the brain’s mirror neurons, which allow us to learn throughobservation. When we see someone performing an action, these neurons light up as if we areperforming the action ourselves. This is why we often mimic the behavior of those we spend timewith or admire, even without realizing it. We become a reflection of them.
As a leader, imitation is often a fast track for learning. Instead of starting from scratch, we observe how others manage teams, handle conflict, and communicate with confidence. For aspiring leaders, finding role models to learn from is essential to personal growth.
Imitation must be done with caution. Not everyone who holds a position of authority or influence possesses the qualities that lead to success and integrity. This brings us to an important question: Who should we imitate, and what should we avoid?
The Risks of Imitating the Wrong People
Choosing role models carelessly leads to imitating traits that undermine rather than enhance your leadership. A charismatic leader may inspire confidence, but if their success is built on manipulative or unethical behaviors, following their example can lead you down a dangerous and toxic path.
Similarly, someone may be highly successful in their career, but their interpersonal relationships or team-building skills could be lacking. If you mirror their work ethic without considering the full spectrum of their behavior, you may adopt habits that don't serve you in the long run. We oftenhear stories of leaders who succeed at the cost of their personal values, or who build their empires through coercion rather than collaboration.
We must have a discerning eye when choosing mentors and role models. We must not only look attheir outward success but also assess the integrity and sustainability of their methods.
When choosing who to imitate, it’s important to reflect on these questions:
Who are your role models?
What traits and behaviors of theirs do you want to imitate?
Are there things in their leadership style that you want to avoid?
The answers to these questions can provide clarity and prevent you from blindly adopting the habits of others without considering whether they align with your own values.
And a word of caution, if you are hiring someone who really reminds you of yourself: ask yourself if you are ready to duplicate your weaknesses. That’s today’s food for thought.