Labor models represent the ideal personality cultivated by the Communist Party of China in practicing Marxist labor theory, and they play an irreplaceable role in social development. Re-examining the generation process of labor models represented by Shen Jilan (Shen) from the perspective of Marxist labor theory, this study posits that labor is the constant thread throughout the process: labor nurtures labor models, which serves as the basic condition for Shen to achieve the title of labor model; labor highlights the subjectivity of individuals and promotes the growth of labor models, which is the inherent driving force for Shen’s labor model identity to extend and expand; labor enables individuals to achieve comprehensive development with liberation and freedom, which is the basic way for Shen to play the role of a labor model. Throughout Shen's life, labor models represented by her are the result of positive interactions among individuals, rural areas, and the country, and these three parties have achieved their own development in this interactive relationship. Respecting labor, valuing models, and giving full play to the exemplary and spiritual leading role of labor models, therefore, are of extremely signifi cance for both individual and social development in the new era.