Modeling Behavior: The life you live is the lesson you teach by Marc LeVine

“A good example has twice the value of good advice.” - Author Unknown

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There is a type of modeling that won’t see you parading down the catwalk, but it will still earn you attention of a different kind – respect.

Modeling behavior is the ability to demonstrate the kind of desired behaviors and attitudes that inspire others to follow or learn from.?For example, most police officers, firefighters and EMT responders model bravery, dedication and caring that often result in others following in their footsteps in choosing similar careers. ?

Engineers can model admirable behaviors like any other professionals.?Ask yourself, what do you stand for and whether your behaviors seem to be inspiring others??

That surely brings up the question of how one comes to modeling behavior.?

Behavior modeling is a process like everything else. ?To come to it one must show, practice, and offer feedback regarding specific behaviors that are desirable to be imitated. It can be considered a bit scientific. Behavior modeling is based on social learning theory.?It can be learned, developed, and practiced under those terms.

To effectively model some behavior, you must have a clear goal, a relatable example, and an opportunity to practice as well as get feedback. ?For example, if you want to teach your engineering new how to work on a piece of equipment you can follow these steps:

- Have your new team member watch as you or another engineer perform the task, first.

- Allow your employee sufficient time to process and remember the behavioral activity just performed.

- Give your team member a chance to practice performing the behavior on his or her own.

- Use positive reinforcement, such as praise, to encourage your new employee to keep up the good work!

Behavior modeling can also help you learn new skills. These include how to improve your performance and change your habits. ?It can also help you understand how others make decisions and what influences their own behavior(s).

To a large degree modeling is an important part of mentoring.?You do not, however, must officially be someone’s mentor to model good behavior in front of them.?Assuming you are already a significant role model, you may be modeling behaviors without even realizing it.?Good leaders are likely to model admirable behaviors that often attract people to them and earn them respect and praise.

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The Author

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Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions and Learning and Development Lead at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ