Positive Male Role Models
Who do young people turn to when they want a model of strength, fairness or grit? The news gives us real examples: athletes who lift a team, lawyers who stand up under pressure, and leaders who keep their focus when things get messy. That’s what this tag collects — stories that show how men can lead without arrogance and act with courage without seeking headlines.
Look at recent coverage: Ben Shelton’s run at the National Bank Open shows focus and steady progress on a big stage. Bukayo Saka’s moments for Arsenal remind us that confidence plus humility makes a player into a leader. Advocate Malesela Teffo’s role in the Senzo Meyiwa trial demonstrates courage and a belief in justice despite personal risk. Those are different walks of life, same basic traits: resilience, accountability and care for others.
Traits of Positive Male Role Models
Resilience: They fail, learn fast and get back to work. Shelton’s rise in tennis is a small lesson in steady improvement — not overnight success. Practical tip: set one skill to improve every month and track the small wins.
Respect and humility: Leaders who listen get followed. Saka’s game shows how a quiet worker who respects teammates helps everyone perform better. Practical tip: ask teammates or colleagues one simple question after each match or meeting — “How can I help next time?”
Courage and accountability: Taking responsibility matters more than taking credit. Teffo’s refusals to back down under threat show how standing for right makes a difference. Practical tip: when you make a mistake, name it publicly, fix it privately and act to prevent it again.
How to Be One — Actionable Steps
Show up consistently. Being a role model isn’t a single grand gesture — it’s the daily habit of showing up for practice, family or work. Volunteer to coach a youth team, mentor a junior at work, or simply be on time more often.
Teach by doing. Kids notice what you do more than what you say. Model calm under pressure: if a game goes wrong, focus on the next play. If a meeting derails, focus on solutions. Small reactions build trust faster than speeches.
Listen and mentor. Spend time hearing someone’s worries without fixing them right away. Ask questions, pass along a useful contact, or share one clear piece of feedback. Mentoring doesn’t need fancy programs — one hour a week can change a life.
Be public and private about values. Praise others loudly, admit faults quietly, and act with consistency. If you want examples, read the stories tagged here on CottonCandi News to see how public figures live these values in sport, law and community life. Then try one change this week: pick a trait, practice it daily, and check how people respond.
Want more real examples and practical tips? Browse our tagged articles and share the names of role models you respect — we’ll keep the conversation going.
