The story of a role model's life amy be a story that reflects on all humanity. Do you dream of holding such a role? Examine your underlying motives. Are you ready to be responsible and accountable? What makes you think someone else is a suitable candidate?

1) Does the person have traits worthy of our attention?  In the early days, at least, some part of us admires the person.  He or she may empathize with our plight or personal situation. We seek to know more, while taking it on faith that what this person tells us is necessarily the truth. Over time, conflicting stories will arise in the media about the person who initially struck us as a leader. We choose allegiance to stories. We evolve according to stories. 

2) Is the person surrounded by powerful friends?  This may prevent people from touching them, and it goes beyond security preventing physical harm. Why do some people feel they require distance and protection? Even if you found a way to reach them, would you take that risk to speak your mind? You may be the sort of person who respects rules for what they are or, you may act based on fearing punishment for ignoring them. Consider role models who don't choose to have bodyguards and do what they can to relate to people.  They demonstrate their own patterns and character traits that don't boast of of seek help from supposedly 'powerful people.'

3) Is the person inspirational?  Some role models do not consciously choose to set standards, but they must still face consequences if people put them on a pedestal. Whether they fall into or out of this status or, whether a public chooses to keep them there, is partly due to our inclinations and partly destiny. Some people seem born to be role models and others evolve into them with help.