I have come to the realization that part of the problem we are having with society is that there are very few positive role models for people of all ages to admire and emulate.  It seems that people, in general, just don’t know how to behave these days.  And that’s because they have no one setting examples or acting out of pure leadership as to what proper behavior is.  Instead the media has pushed to the forefront what sells in society today – celebrities with their personal exploits and political viewpoints rather than stories about well known or even unknown people and the pursuit of excellence they have achieved in their lives.

Role models seem to be a universal need in all forms of life.  I remember reading a story about an animal preserve in Kenya that was having a problem with some young bull elephants who were misbehaving.  They were terrorizing the elephant herd and anyone else who came across their path.  The park rangers didn’t know how to handle the situation and were extremely concerned until one of them suggested they bring in a few mature, very large bull elephants to teach the young ones how to behave.  In no time at all those young elephants were brought right into line and their behavior improved dramatically.  The big bull elephants were having none of their nonsense and let them know this was just not the way to behave.

I see the same behavior especially in the younger generations of today.  Their language in many cases is inappropriate, many have no manners or sense of respect  and their sense of right and wrong is questionable.  What society really needs is for our children to look up to and view their parents as role models.  Unfortunately, many parents cannot, nor do they wish to, fulfill their roles today in this changing world.  This is probably why there are so many problems in the workplace with employees – or even in schools where the lack of role models causes today’s disruptions in the classroom.

Many come to work with very few social skills, work ethic and loyalty these days.  You, the CEO, president or business owner, certainly cannot be the parent or the guidance counselor to your employees but you need to examine your daily behavior and interactions in order to set the right example and standard of expectation within your company.  Are you?  And are you doing it consistently?

Now let’s take it a step beyond just your employees.  And extend it out to:  What kind of role model do you want your company to be to your customers, vendors, suppliers, other business contacts and even to the general public and community?  In today’s media driven, web 2.0 world, it doesn’t take long for unfavorable news to quickly spread about your company.  Think about the message and image you want for your company.  Can your company be considered a role model in how it is managed, produces products, how you treat employees, how you put the customer first and even how your company does whatever it takes to run the company in a very legal and ethical way?

If you want a successful, well run company, be a leader at all times.  As the old saying goes:  Don’t just tell them what to do, show them by your actions.