November is National Inspirational Role Models Month.
Role models encourage us to be our best selves. And that deserves some celebrating. Seeing the impact that role models can have on others’ lives, Darlene House, Owner/Chief Communications Specialist of House of Communications, created National Inspirational Role Models Month in 2005.
Today, we invite all of you that are associated with the construction industry to join us in celebrating all month long. From full-time construction workers to educators, family members to students, let’s work together to inspire the future of construction.
Inspiring role models are all around us and are so important for the wellbeing of every industry. The construction industry in particular benefits from having strong superiors that younger individuals can emulate. With their guidance, our construction industry role models help us to learn on the job and motivate us to strive for our greatest potential. When we learn from the more experienced, the industry as a whole improves.
We’ve all benefited from a role model over the course of our lifetimes. Shout out all of your role models on social media with #InspirationalRoleModelsMonth. Relatives, teammates, even public figures will appreciate knowing that they’ve made a positive impact on you.
Showing your gratitude to your role model will take more than just a social media shoutout. If you’ve benefited from an inspiring role model, we invite you to be a role model yourself. But how do you become a truly inspiring role model? That depends on where you have access to inspire.
On the jobsite
This is the location where the most immediate impact can be made.
Now, you might expect senior team members like construction firm owners and foremen to lead the way for the less experienced. Of course, they do make an incredible impact. Without them, our projects wouldn’t go as smoothly or even exist for that matter. However, it’s the average team member that really makes a difference.
When you’re working on the jobsite, remember that your more junior team members are watching you more than you may realize. Now, this isn’t meant to intimidate you or make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, let it be a reminder that every action you make might be mimicked in the future. Act wisely.
In the classroom
This is where dreams are made, making it the perfect place to inspire with both historical and modern role models. Start with studying real-world examples. Then, if possible, build on your in-classroom work with networking opportunities with individuals that actively work in the construction industry.
Be intentional when choosing each role model to work with. Consider the person’s character and specialty. This relatable education will give your students the knowledge they need to start their careers and the clear vision for where they can go.
At home
Lastly, the home is where the foundation is made. The impact might not be immediate, but it’s felt for many years to come.
Empower your children to help you with projects around the house. Show them how you work with your hands to improve your home, even if you aren’t an active member of the construction industry.
If you are in the industry and have a family, you have a unique role model opportunity unlike any other. In this position, you can teach based on real-world experience rather than show with novice skills. Not only that, you can give your children the incredible life that can be made from a career in construction.
Together, we’ll inspire the next generation of construction workers…and one another! Happy National Inspirational Role Models Month, I Build America – Ohio community.
