Part 6 in a series on professionalism.

Criteria 6: Role model: Is a positive influence on others…respected, admired and emulated by others.

USWNT 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions

You may have met people or even admired them from afar and quietly said to yourself, “I want to be like (insert name) someday.” There was something about that person that made you think that. Most likely it was a specific behavior, skill set or ability that caught your attention. That person served as a role model to you.

Recently, Americans enjoyed seeing some powerhouse role models in action, as the U.S. women’s soccer team defeated the Japanese women’s soccer team on July 5 to clench the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The U.S. team honored two of its veteran players, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe, by putting them front and center, holding the trophy high at the awards event. These high performers served as role models and leaders to other younger players over the years. The trophy was immediately passed to every team member and coaching staff because everyone contributed to the team’s successful win.

Somewhere out there, young school girls and college players are envisioning their future success. They aspire to be like the U.S. women’s team members and the level of professionalism they each demonstrate both on and off the field.

As a positive role model, you are fully accountable and responsible for your actions, done with intelligence and grace. You are aware that others are observing your behavior, so you don’t make any missteps. For a closer look at what it takes to be a positive role model, read the feature article on this topic in the June issue of my e-newsletter, Q Tips. It may inspire you to be a better role model to the generations following you.

How are you being a positive role model today?