The Leadership Challenge is a book written by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. The book authors provide five practices that they feel should follow to improve and enhance their leadership skills. Whether or not a person is in a managerial or supervisory position, certain values or qualities are required by said person if they are to provide exemplary leadership. The authors state that it is incorrect to believe that great leadership is only found at the highest levels of an organization or that only a few individuals have what it takes to be successful leader.
The leadership challenge is “the challenge of taking people and organizations to places they have been before, of doing something that has never been done before, and of moving …show more content…
The authors’ research indicates that extraordinary achievement occurs only with active support and involvement of many people. The first step in enabling others to act is to create an environment of trust. People that feel they are part of a team and whose opinions are valued are more likely to trust their leaders. Leaders must also allow their employees to feel that they can be trusted to use their own discretion when facing challenging situations while at the same time be available to assist when necessary. Studies indicate that an increase in trust also leads to an increase in innovation. As mentioned by General Salinas in class, “a leader must give trust to their employees but must earn their …show more content…
Leaders can accomplish this by sharing power with their employees. Kouzes and Posner describe the concept of the paradox of power by explaining that leaders become more powerful when they give their own power away. Allowing employees to feel empowered permits them to utilize the skills they have to accomplish a goal or task.
Holding employees accountable for their actions is another way to strengthen others. By creating conditions that allow employees to feel responsible for their role and their part in the process, leaders nurture a collaborative environment. Providing choices in their day-to-day duties to employees also helps to build the impression that they can make a difference. Sharing information and educating others is a critical step in helping to strengthen others.
The last practice recommended by Kouzes and Posner is to “Encourage the heart”. A leader must foster an environment where all contributions are recognized and appreciated. Recognition of accomplishments can help to motivate employees to try their best. Employees must have clear and defined goals in order to keep their eyes on the prize. Providing honest feedback and personalized recognition to employees, leaders help to make employees feel appreciated. Although recognition can be something tangible such as an increase in salary or bonus, a simple thank you can be just as meaningful to employees. A leader that is personally involved in acknowledging
The leadership challenge is “the challenge of taking people and organizations to places they have been before, of doing something that has never been done before, and of moving …show more content…
The authors’ research indicates that extraordinary achievement occurs only with active support and involvement of many people. The first step in enabling others to act is to create an environment of trust. People that feel they are part of a team and whose opinions are valued are more likely to trust their leaders. Leaders must also allow their employees to feel that they can be trusted to use their own discretion when facing challenging situations while at the same time be available to assist when necessary. Studies indicate that an increase in trust also leads to an increase in innovation. As mentioned by General Salinas in class, “a leader must give trust to their employees but must earn their …show more content…
Leaders can accomplish this by sharing power with their employees. Kouzes and Posner describe the concept of the paradox of power by explaining that leaders become more powerful when they give their own power away. Allowing employees to feel empowered permits them to utilize the skills they have to accomplish a goal or task.
Holding employees accountable for their actions is another way to strengthen others. By creating conditions that allow employees to feel responsible for their role and their part in the process, leaders nurture a collaborative environment. Providing choices in their day-to-day duties to employees also helps to build the impression that they can make a difference. Sharing information and educating others is a critical step in helping to strengthen others.
The last practice recommended by Kouzes and Posner is to “Encourage the heart”. A leader must foster an environment where all contributions are recognized and appreciated. Recognition of accomplishments can help to motivate employees to try their best. Employees must have clear and defined goals in order to keep their eyes on the prize. Providing honest feedback and personalized recognition to employees, leaders help to make employees feel appreciated. Although recognition can be something tangible such as an increase in salary or bonus, a simple thank you can be just as meaningful to employees. A leader that is personally involved in acknowledging