In an organization, leadership is everyone’s business. That’s because leadership is not about position or power; it’s about behavior and relationships. Specifically, it’s about embodying certain behaviors to build relationships to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.
Leadership experts James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner identify five exemplary leadership behaviors anyone can use to sustain the relationships that lead people to get remarkable things done in your organization.
Model the Way
Leadership is not about titles or trophies. Leaders know it’s their behavior that earns them credibility. Modeling the way wins respect because words and actions are aligned and consistent. When leaders lead by example and practice what they preach, they not only gain the right to lead but also gain commitment from those within their organization.
Tips:
- Make a list of your beliefs and identify your core values.
- Track, evaluate and align your daily actions to your values.
- Embody and demonstrate the values you want others to emulate.
Inspire a Shared Vision
Leadership is not an individualistic dream. Leaders must engage and enlist others in a common purpose. Inspiring a shared vision builds a sense of unity and produces an ideal image of the future. When leaders create a shared vision, their constituents maintain higher levels of motivation and withstand more challenges as an organization.
Tips:
- Survey the people in your organization on their visions for their roles and the organization.
- Align their visions with your vision for the organization.
Challenge the Process
Leadership is not dormant. Leaders recognize their work involves change and they are in the business of making things happen. They must actively and enthusiastically seek and accept challenges. Challenging the process entails taking risks to learn, grow and innovate. When leaders confront the standards, they foster a climate for experimentation and a willingness to adopt new ideas, processes, systems, and services in an organization.
Tips:
- Ask questions and create an environment for learning.
- Conduct small tests and experiments before doing a big rollout.
Enable Others to Act
Leadership is not a solo act. Leaders foster collaboration and build trust within an organization. Enabling others to act involves giving away power and sharing information and resources to strengthen everyone’s capacity and trust. When leaders empower others to act, their constituents experience higher levels of satisfaction, engagement, and commitment.
Tips:
- Hold group brainstorms.
- Give each person an opportunity to speak and share their ideas and opinions.
Encourage the Heart
Leadership is not lifeless. Leaders know to bring out the best in people and celebrate values and victories. Encouraging the heart is about expecting the best while caring for and having faith in their constituents. When leaders recognize others and cheer them on, they see improved performance within the organization.
Tips:
- Show your gratitude—a little “thank you” can go a long way.
- Don’t forget to celebrate the little wins.
Leadership is everyone’s business, and you are the most important leader in your organization. You have the responsibility to give quality leadership as well as the right to receive quality leadership. The more you practice these leadership behaviors, the more likely you’ll have a positive impact on your organization.
Source: “The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner