Leadership development based on Kouze and Posner research and methodology

The model considers 5 major practices that enable reflection and specific coaching support and challenge

Kouzes Posner also describe 10 commitments/propositions  within the 5 major practices and look at ways of bringing the propositions to life :

Practice 1 : Model the way

1. Find your voice by clarifying your personal values

2. Set the example by aligning


How does it happen?


· Take time for contemplation

· Consider lessons from leaders you admire

· Create alignment around key values

· Speak about shared values with enthusiasm and confidence

· Do a personal audit

· Keep score ( e.g. 360 degree feedback)

· Ask questions


Practice 2: Inspire a shared vision



3. Envision the future by imagining exciting possibilites

4. Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations



How does it happen?

* Listen first – and often
* Draft a collective vision statement
* Breathe life into the vision
* Speak from the heart
* Expand your communication skills
* Find the common ground
* Get to know your “constituents”
* Hang out / keep your ear to the ground
* Determine the “something” you want to do
* Become a futurist
* Test your assumptions



REFLECTION : What makes the difference is the vision of how things could be and then clearly painting this picture for all to see and comprehend


Practice 3: Challenge the process


5. Search for opportunities by seeking innovative easy to change, grow and improve

6.Experiment and take risks by constantly generating small wins and learning from mistakes


How does it happen?


* Treat every job as an adventure
* Seek meaningful challenges for yourself
* Create meaningful challenge for others
* Give people choices
* Make it safe for others to experiment
* Question the status quo
* Break mindsets
* Admit your mistakes
* Conduct pre and post mortems of every project to gain the learning
* Look outwards for ideas
* Add fun to work


REFLECTION : How do I go to work today and do something that will move the enterprise and myself another step in the right direction



Practice 4 : Enable others to act


7.Foster collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust

8. Strengthen others by sharing power and discretion



How does it happen?


* Ask questions, listen and take advice
* Always say “ we”
* Focus on gains not losses
* Create places and opportunities for informal interactions
* Offer visible support
* Enrich peoples jobs
* Enlarge peoples sphere of influence
* Create a learning climate
* Educate,educate,educate




REFLECTION: Take the time to work with staff as individuals, understand their motivation and assign tasks that complement their interest and ability. Only teamwork brings the best results.

Practice 5: Encourage the heart

9. Recognise contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence

10. Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community



How does it happen?

* Schedule celebrations
* Be creative about rewards
* Foster positive expectations
* Say thank you
* Find people who are doing things right
* Honour exemplary actions
* Demonstrate caring by walking around
* Show passion and compassion
* Have fun
* Set the example



REFLECTION: Ceremonies , celebrations and rituals are not about the event , they are about touching the hearts and souls of every colleague and team members



IN GENERAL……….



What people look for in leaders ( these enable credibility)



Top 10 recent survey



1. Honest

2. Forward looking

3. Competent

4. Inspiring

5. Intelligent

6. Fair minded

7. Supportive

8. Straightforward

9. Dependable

10.Cooperative





Being a good leader is nor something that casually occurs. It takes great care, insight, commitment, and energy. When it all comes together, it brings out the best of who you are and the best in others.