In today’s diverse but interconnected world, it has been established that many of us look up – or ought to look up – to individuals who shape our thoughts, values, and actions. From educators to influencers, public figures to pastors, etc., the need for us to clearly understand the unique role each plays in our personal, socio-cultural and overall societal development cannot be overemphasised. This helps us navigate who we should admire or idolise, follow, and learn from.
Particularly, I have heard a lot of people around me say lines like “This pastor or lecturer is my role model.” Whilst there is nothing wrong in calling any of your pastors or lecturers your role model it is important to realise their responsibilities and roles are quite different from that of role models.
In my previous edition, you learned who a role model is. Role models are individuals who others look up to, admire, and aspire to emulate. These are people whose behaviour, values, or achievements serve as a positive example for others. For the record, your role models can come from any area of life—family members, teachers, public figures, or even peers. What makes someone a role model is their ability to inspire others through their actions, character, and accomplishments. Pastors’ or lecturers’ roles differ from those of role models and there should be no confused about.
Let us delve deeper into some terminologies which are often time confused to mean the same thing as role models. They include:
Educators:
Educators are professionals who are mainly responsible for imparting knowledge, skills, and values in formal settings like schools, colleges, and training programmes. Their primary role is to foster intellectual growth and critical thinking in their students. It should be noted that beyond academics, educators are often role models who inspire students to become lifelong learners under them. They are also responsible for shaping the moral and ethical foundations of their pupils, helping them develop into responsible citizens. Educators play essential roles in building the future of those signed under their programmes directly or indirectly.
Influencers:
Influencers are usually referred to as individuals who have built large followers, particularly on social media, through the engaging and valuable content they put out that resonates with their audience. Their influence is often linked to lifestyle, fashion, relationships, health, or other personal interests. The role of an influencer is not only to entertain or share opinions but to drive trends and consumer behaviour and continuously create awareness about various issues. Whilst influencers can have positive impacts by promoting meaningful causes in society through their online platforms, they also have a responsibility to ensure that they don’t promote harmful or misleading content.
Public Figures:
Public figures encompass a broad category of individuals such as politicians, celebrities, and athletes. They hold visible positions in society, often serving as ambassadors for social causes, brands, or political ideologies. Public figures, whether they have such intentions or not, by default, serve as examples to society, influencing culture and values. Their responsibility lies in using their platform ethically and avoiding behaviours that could negatively impact the public. In societies where people have distinct values or morals which guide them, their decisions and actions are often scrutinised, and they are held to a higher standard because of the large influence they wield. Public figures are not role models except when you decide to choose anyone as your role model.
Mentors:
Undoubtedly, a mentor is often mistaken as a role model. A mentor is someone who offers guidance, advice, and support on a personal basis, in a direct capacity, usually professional or in the context of personal growth. Unlike influencers or public figures, mentors build close and long-term relationships with their mentees. Their role is to share wisdom and experiences that can help shape the career or life choices of those they mentor. A mentor’s responsibility includes providing constructive feedback, and life-changing opportunities to their proteges, offering encouragement, and being a reliable source of insight to them as well. Mentors should never be seen as role models no matter how related their roles may look alike.
Heroes:
Heroes are personalities we admire because of their courage, noble qualities, or exceptional achievements, particularly in times of crisis. They often perform extraordinary deeds like standing up for others to fight for a just cause thereby inspiring others to follow suit. Whether they are firefighters saving lives, or whistleblowers who expose corruption, heroes set an example of bravery and selflessness.
Heroes are like activists who advocate for equity and justice. They may not always seek public recognition, but their actions leave a lasting impact. Their responsibilities, whether recognised or not, are to uphold the values they embody while inspiring others to act with similar courage in times of need.
Idols:
Idols are individuals admired or adored by many, often to the point of near-worshipping. Unlike heroes or mentors, the admiration for idols is often based on superficial qualities, such as fame or appearance, rather than substantive actions. While idols can inspire people through their talents, their responsibility is to remain grounded and not let their status mislead their followers. Without mincing words, it is essential for those who idolise someone to ensure they separate admiration from blind worship while maintaining their critical perspectives about life.
Celebrities:
Celebrities are famous personalities, often admired for their talents, skills, looks, or social status. They are actors, writers/authors, singers/musicians, athletes, etc.
Icons:
Icons are almost like idols, but they mostly embody cultural symbols which represent certain values, movements, or accomplishments. Think of amazing figures like Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacies transcend time. Icons serve as enduring role models worthy of emulation, and their lives or careers often become synonymous with a particular cause. Their responsibility, even posthumously, is to continue inspiring change and maintaining relevance through the ideals they represent.
Lecturers:
Lecturers are responsible for delivering specialised knowledge to students in universities and colleges. Unlike school educators, lecturers often focus on a particular subject matter and encourage deeper exploration of ideas. They facilitate intellectual discussions and help students develop critical thinking skills. Their responsibility is not just to teach but to inspire curiosity and academic excellence while fostering an environment of intellectual freedom and debate.
Pastors or Imams:
Pastors or Imams hold spiritual and moral authority in religious communities. Their primary role is to provide spiritual guidance, lead worship, and offer support in times of personal and communal needs. Pastors help interpret religious teachings and guide their congregations in living out their faith. Their responsibilities include being ethical, offering counsel, and nurturing the spiritual growth of individuals in churches, mosques and their communities. As trusted leaders, pastors must practice the values they preach and maintain a high level of integrity.
Conclusion
While there may be other terminologies which are similar to role models, it has been established that educators, influencers, public figures, mentors, heroes, idols, celebrities, icons, lecturers, and pastors all hold certain laudable influence in society but each has distinct roles and responsibilities. Understanding their differences allows us to appreciate the unique impact each has on our lives and society at large. Their combined influence helps to shape our values, aspirations, and actions. Understanding their roles will equally help us in balancing our expectations of them.
I believe you got value reading this piece. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me as well as LIKE and SHARE the writing with your friends and associates. Be on the lookout for my next edition as I will be exploring another intriguing aspect of fundamental leadership success strategies. Thank you. Wishing you God’s blessing like never before.
