Singapore Values in Action!

1. A Role Model is for a specific role; someone we look up to, admire, respect, and hope to emulate. A role model may be a model in one area but not in another (i.e. a good office manager, but a poor father; a great athlete, but very self centered.)

2. Consciously or unconsciously, we look to role models because we need examples after which to pattern our lives. If consciously chosen, we probably would have first set our goals, known what we want to be, and then selectively choosen our models. If a model is unconsciously chosen, we might pick this person on the basis of some desires of which we may not even be aware.

3. Often we don’t realize that our lives are models for others. Without realizing it, we may be influencing others. This is an important factor to consider when making decisions. What impact will my decision and actions have on those around me?

4. We need to be conscious that the image we have of sports heroes, film stars, and pop singers, are often the result of carefully orchestrated media efforts. It may or may not represent their true selves; we need to look beyond the glamour and the hype.

5. Role models may be people whom we know personally, but that is not necessarily so. They may be people we’ve read about or even be fictitious characters of well-known stories and legends.

6. We can have several role models at the same time for different areas of life.

7. It is possible to want to follow after someone in some aspects, even though we may actually disagree or even dislike them on the whole; i.e. we may disagree with someone strongly on some ideological point, but we may respect them for their guts in standing up for what they believe.

8. Look for consistency, plus outcomes, before patterning yourself after a person’s life. Consider their contributions, character, and commitments.

Khoo Keng Gie, Singapore Center Values in Action! @ PWP, 1997

– Khoo Keng Gie