Why Every Leader Should Know About The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

A Roadmap to Exemplary Leadership

Successful leadership requires a genuine commitment to inspire and elevate others. One powerful framework that can guide leaders through this journey is The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership^® –but what exactly are these five practices, and why should every leader know and apply them? 

The Blueprint for Leadership Success

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership^® is a widely respected leadership model introduced by James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their book The Leadership Challenge, first published in 1987. Developed from over 35 years of ongoing research, Kouzes and Posner identified five key behaviors that effective leaders consistently exhibit: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. These practices offer a framework for leaders to guide their teams, foster trust, and achieve extraordinary results:

1. Model the Way

Leaders who model the way don’t just talk about values; they live them. By setting an example for others, leaders build credibility and trust. When your team sees you walking the talk, they’re more likely to follow suit. This is particularly important when leading in complex or uncertain times, where alignment around shared values is essential.

2. Inspire a Shared Vision

Great leaders don’t just see the future—they help others see it, too. Inspiring a shared vision is about rallying people around a common purpose. It’s more than just setting goals; it’s about painting a compelling picture of what could be, igniting passion and engagement within your team.

3. Challenge the Process

Exemplary leaders are not afraid of change. They seek opportunities for improvement and innovation by challenging the status quo. Whether it’s refining processes or encouraging creative problem-solving, they take risks and learn from failures. Leadership isn’t just about maintaining the current order; it’s about pushing boundaries to create something better.

4. Enable Others to Act

True leadership is about empowering others. As a leader, it is your responsibility to enable others to act by taking the time to know your team members on a personal level, assess your people’s strengths and opportunity areas, incorporate ideas from your team, and, most importantly, model trust and empathy.

5. Encourage the Heart

Leadership can be tough, but great leaders know the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of their team. Encouraging the heart is about creating a culture of appreciation, where hard work is recognized, and victories—big or small—are celebrated. This builds a strong sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for maintaining high morale and sustained performance.

Why You Should Apply These Practices

Leadership isn’t just about directing others; it’s about creating the conditions where others can thrive—and these five practices are key to unlocking that potential. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® provide a clear framework for developing the kind of leadership that is both effective and sustainable. Leaders who increase the frequency with which they exhibit these behaviors are able to increase their effectiveness and help others see them as an even better leader.  

Consider this quote by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner from The Leadership Challenge, 7th edition:

“Being a leader requires showing appreciation for people’s contributions, and creating a culture of celebrating the values and victories by creating a spirit of community.”

Join us Thursday, November 7 & Friday, November 8, 2024 for The Leadership Challenge^® Workshop online to receive personalized, rigorous leadership training and interact with other leaders pursuing development goals all while building a personal leadership development that connects your current role to your future goals: