How to get the best from a role model

I remember a conversation with a project manager who had been inspired by the life of someone he had never met. He had read the biography of Lance Armstrong, a sportsman who had overcome life-threatening cancer to go on and win the gruelling test of the Tour de France.

Who do your admire? Who do you find inspiring? Role models may be real or imaginary characters, they may be famous or not. People who triumph in adversity, those who achieve great things and those who live alternative lifestyles are examples of what we can find inspiring. Perhaps someone closer, a friend or member of your family, inspires you. Who else could you choose?

When you have a role model in mind, here are 3 ways you can use them to create extra energy and focus in what you are doing.

1. You can use the physiology of your role model.

This is particularly useful when you are heading into a meeting, about to make a presentation or hold a difficult conversation.

• Ask yourself, how would my role model walk into the room?
• How would they stand or sit?
• What is their posture?
• How would they speak?

You are not aiming to mimic them, rather to blend your perception of them with your own behaviour in a way that is helpful.

For example, if you act with the confidence of your role model for a minute or two, you will feel genuinely more confident.

2. You can use the beliefs and values of your role model.

Ask yourself these questions and use the ones that have most resonance for you:

• What would your role model believe is important?
• What would they believe is possible?
• When would they say 'No'?
• What outcome would your role model want in this situation?

3. You can use your role model for new insights.

Imagine that your role model is able to listen and watch what is going on. Perhaps they are sitting nearby or taking a birds-eye view. They have reached their own understanding of the situation.

• Using their name, ask them for their advice?
• What would they do in your situation?

Remember to thank your role model - you can always 'ask' them again in the future.

Bonus suggestion:

If there are people who consistently drain your energy, consider reducing the time you spend with these anti-role models.