8. BEING A ROLE MODEL
8. BEING A ROLE MODEL
(To
influence others around, in a positive manner through a worthy life)
1. Right Words
and Actions
Not just wishing
but doing:
Most of the
time when we see a person without food or clothing, we sympathize and wish them
they shall have it, but don’t think much to act upon it, though we can act out
something. We should act out something to the issues around us and something that
bothers us, to really show our concern about it. Also sometimes
empathizing and acting upon certain things, builds confidence and trust and many of the people will find a good rest when we are approached.
Wishing without
actions is dead:
We always wish
everyone from very simple things to extraordinary achievements and successes in their life. Also, there are times we wish for their well-being at the time of
their difficulties and adversities. Though we don’t act towards something at
times of joy, it doesn’t make a difference as the other person could sustain
without our action. But it makes a lot of difference when we act towards
certain things at the time of sorrow and it gives confidence for the other
person to renew the self and chase the worthy things with values.
Avoiding the
deviation:
Surely there
will be circumstances that are beyond our control and unexpected things tend to
happen, that make to deviate from the actual plan and process. A wise man who
is endued with knowledge of higher standards will avoid the sensual and
devilish things and show good conduct of his works in meekness, at any point of
life. A good leader should not be carried away by the circumstances and the situation of life, but always have control over life or just avoid certain things
that could not be influenced by acting appropriately.
Being careful
with the tongue:
A tongue is a very small part of the body, but it can change the world
upside down through manipulated or deceptive words. Out of the same mouth
comes blessing and cursing, but people tend to remember the cursing we spell
more than the blessings. We should be very careful with the words we speak, as
the words that are spoken in a genuine sense can be manipulated for something
different by interpreting in the way the other person wants. Also, words
that degrade or embarrass another person directly or indirectly should be
avoided. Taming of the tongue is very much needed for being a good role model.
Activity:
Situation and Roleplay
2. Right Attitude and Values
Taming of the
Heart:
We all have our
emotions out of which different feelings arise. Many things influence the way
we share our emotions with others. Every one of us needs to mold our hearts to express the right feelings at the right time in the right way. We need to
put compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience in our hearts for
forbearing and forgiving one another. We have to shape our hearts even to
forgive those who had done wrong for us, to live in peace and joy within
ourselves and with others.
Putting on the
bond of perfection:
There are
certainly many qualities that make us very special and good. But all the
quality could be made void or manipulated either by being Rigid or liberal.
Extremism or Liberalism without the balance of the heart and mind could be
destructive. Having the greatest factor, which is love, in the greatest place
in our thoughts and feelings, will always help us have a balance in everything
that we have and do. We must practice genuine love that is without expectations
and conditions.
The dwelling of higher
values in mind:
It is very
important to carefully think through the different things we practice doing and the way we do things. We need to check everything and recheck even the things we do
regularly because it might contradict the values, we talk about having in
our life. The higher values of life should dwell richly in all the wisdom and
all areas of our life. It should be taught to others and everyone should
admonish others, for helping one another to become better.
Looking into
others' interest:
No one in the world is void, and everyone has something unique for themselves. We should always be humble whatever best we have or hold, irrespective
of our previous or present state. We should always consider the interests of
others by denying the self at times. We should do things without grumbling and
disputing, for being blameless and harmless.
3. Demonstration and not just delegation
Actions that
please others:
Sometimes we
talk a lot and even give counsel to the people around us, but we fail to keep
up our words and we do what we should not do. Mostly people
watch over our actions more than words, and when there is a big deviation
in our words and actions, they will not trust and be pleased to listen or approach
us. We should be patient towards others and be the source of encouragement for
others. We should also bear the iniquities of the weak and try to please others
through good deeds, as well as accept our limitations.
Receiving others
despite limitations:
It’s very
difficult to tolerate the mistakes of others, especially when there is a
disaster or disturbance towards something we do. Also, there are people less
capable of things because of their less exposure, experience, or disturbed
situations in life. We need to analyze the attitude of the person and always be
receiving even those who are not good at anything or have deformation in their
attitude, to help them to be useful and joyful.
Forbearance and
Patience in Action:
There are
certainly, all human beings have the emotions of anger and bitterness when
certain things are not likely or with some deviation or not in the way we
expected them to be. But when we start to stand in another person’s shoes and
understand the inner thoughts and feelings of the other person, by knowing and
comparing with the higher values and truth, we will be able to show forbearance and extreme patience, even to the one who even insults and abuses us to
the point of death.
Forgiveness and
acceptance without hatred:
A leader should
be firm with the standards and principles that are according to the higher
values of life, for not being harmful to anyone or anything knowingly. At the same time, a great
leader will always forgive the mistake of even an enemy and accept even those who
persecute, without hatred though they continue to do it, just because he's wishing for the welfare of them and hoping for a positive change in their lives.
Activity:
Following the Leader’s Instructions
All the
participants may form a group of 5-8 members with some grouping activity. Every
group should select a leader among themselves. One of the group volunteers.
Except leader, everyone should be blindfolded. The leader should give
instructions to make the members stand in a position to demonstrate some
picture or situation. The members should follow the instructions of the leader
carefully. All the members should take a role and even the leader must take a
role finally. The other groups should identify the picture or situation.
4. Wiping out Selfishness
Different Gifts
and Talents:
Everyone has
some gift that they already have or have not yet identified and used. Also, all of
us have some talents though we might not be experts in it, but able to
contribute to someone in some way. A good leader identifies the gifts and
talents of everyone around him and tries to provide appropriate opportunities for
each one of them who approaches him. Also, gifts and talents are not just
meant to please the self but are utilized for the good and welfare of others.
The greater sense of
working together:
There is
certainly more responsibility and a sense of belonging when we take over certain
work by ourselves and try to complete it. But there would be a much greater
accomplishment and effectiveness as well as sustainability when many of us work
together by understanding the importance of teamwork. When we do things by
ourselves, we are improving ourselves but when we involve others, we improve
ourselves as well as build others, and there is a greater sense of it.
Everything
passes and Love never fails:
It is always difficult
to be in a group, as we need to follow some standard set of procedures and have
some common policies, to avoid some conflicts. Even if we have well-organized and systematic policies or procedures, different people perceive
differently according to their own situations and backgrounds, as human beings
don’t just think but also feel. Though, everything that is formed before and
every priority changes, the factor of Love alone could reconcile and reunite by
fixing everything.
Being profitable
by using what is needed:
Most of the
time consciously or unconsciously we try to use what we have, without thinking
much about what is really needed and whether we can fulfill the need by ourselves or need the support of someone else. Also, there would be
certain people who are much more talented in something, but the situation may need
something else, but still, the person wants to exalt the self and do something of his expertise. A good leader would not be interested in showing what he knows but
gives his best in doing what is needed.
5. Leaving the Legacy
Finding the
genuine favor:
When we walk
upright and follow the right instructions, there will be genuine favor in the
eyes of genuine people, though there may be also certain people who are
jealous. A good leader has certain principles and a code of conduct that would
not be stolen by anyone through anything. They would be good role models for
standing for what is right. Though some may persecute them, and there are
sufferings, they take a stand to follow the truth, thereby they find a genuine
favor in the eyes of closely associated people, even from the people who
persecute them at times.
Withdraw from
disorderliness:
Certain practices or procedures have become law, just because most of
them choose them. We should never be carried away from being part of the most, but
by being part of what is acceptable and what is correct. We should always
analyze whether the things we do or follow are right or something that deviates from disorderliness. A good leader would never be carried away by
what the majority of the people follow, do, and say, but always strive to do what is
pleasing and good.
Being an example
to follow:
Many people are
role models for many other people in the world. The way we do things and the
way we talk influence others positively or negatively. When we are a role model
to someone, it is not just the good things that are caught by them, but also what is
wrong with us. Similarly, when we take someone as a role model, we try to
rationalize even the bad practices as good. It is very difficult for us to be a
good example for others to follow and also it is very difficult to find a good
example. A good leader tries to safeguard himself from what is wrong and tells
his crew what is best, rather than saying to follow him.
Be not weary in
doing good:
It is easy to do
some good when we are well-settled and really don’t strive for anything. But a
good leader will try to do his best, and even if he is not able to do anything
he will certainly do something by even identifying someone capable of
supporting him. Sometimes it would be demotivating to do some good when some people
do not take the things that are done for them seriously and just blame what is
done. But a leader is assured that many people including those who demotivate need the good at some point in
time, though they don’t know the importance of it at that moment.
Be wise and
approachable to all men:
A good leader is
someone who is imitated, someone who is admired, someone who inspires, and someone
whose footsteps are followed. Because of their popularity and fame among the
people, some people hate them too, as their shortcuts or unfair
acts will not be supported by a good leader. Those people will always want the
leader to fall into something, for them to blame or accuse. Also, a good leader
will be simple and humble towards everyone to approaches, as he considers everyone
with equal respect and has a hope that they would do great things if
opportunities are provided.
Activity:
Self-Reflection
Role Model:
Did (s)he do
any good to you?
Did (s)he is the
best person?
Did (s)he is a
good person without any limitations?
Did (s)he have
some skills that are impressive and important for you?
Did (s)he
contribute something positive to society?
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