The Power of Role Models!

Role model: A person who serves as a model in a particular behavioural or social role for another person to emulate.

This is the dictionary definition of a role model, a phrase we hear often, particularly in relation to young people, but very rarely are we given examples of why we should have them, or the success that can be achieved through having a role model! So let’s keep it topical and look at RYAN GIGGS and his role model, SIR ALEX FERGUSON! United’s most decorated player may not ever have appeared at Old Trafford had it not been for Sir Alex, who having seen him as young teenager at the School of Excellence made a visit to his home and gave him the chance to play for a team he had followed since a young boy.
 

Nearly twenty years ago when he made his debut at Man United it had never crossed his mind that he would score more goals in European competitions than Denis Law, (a centre forward who played for one of the great Man U teams and is now honoured with a statue outside Old Trafford!), would make more appearances and win more honours than any other player in the history of the club, nor that 17 years to the day after scoring his first Champions League goal he would score his 29th breaking his own record of being the oldest goal scorer in the competitions history! (not bad for a player who is almost 38!)

So, aside from his obvious skills on the football pitch, what made this happen?

Mentored by Sir Alex since his early days, he quickly became a role model to him and someone who he modelled himself on in terms of achievement, strategy, communication and longevity, seeking his advice when necessary and striving to equal his high standards. Sir Alex, who celebrates 25 years at Man Utd this year, is considered to be one of the best managers in the world so who better look to for all of the strategies involved in getting yourself to the same level and beyond. Sir Alex has also used role models to learn and develop his strategies including John Borland, who sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 92. Mr Borland, Sir Alex said “had instilled a sense of discipline and Christian values into him and other boys – through BB, Sunday School and football training – and how he took a passionate interest in their formation and wellbeing.”

Mentoring and role models, are clearly then, an important strategy in developing as a person, achieving/exceeding your goals, and, in fact keeping you focused on the best way to deal with situations. It should come as no surprise then that Stevie has several role models and mentors that he looks to for all of these things, Muhammed Ali and Sir Alex Ferguson to name but two.

WHY? Because to be the best you must learn from the best, and exceed the best! And the beauty of that is, in turn you become a role model to others. Both Stevie and Ryan Giggs are now role models, and mentors in their own right, to many other people and are using this position to inspire, encourage, support and motivate them to achieve their ambitions and live the life they want!
 

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