The Leadership Challenge, a book written by James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner states leadership in the following 5 practices aptly called “The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” as follows :
1. Model the Way
2. Inspire a Shared Vision
3. Challenge the Process
4. Enable others to Act
5. Encourage the Heart
1. Model the Way
- Find your voice by clarifying your personal values.
- Set the example by aligning actions with shared values.
2. Inspire a Shared Vision
- Envision the future.
- Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations.
3. Challenge the Process
- Search for opportunities [for change].
- Experiment and take risks constantly.
4. Enable others to Act
- Foster collaboration.
- Strengthen others by sharing power and discretion.
5. Encourage the Heart
- Recognize contributions.
- Celebrate values and victories.
According to the Pew Research Center Survey 2014, following are the qualities that are essential for a leader to be :
Honest
84%
Intelligent
80%
Decisive
80%
Organized
67%
Compassionate
57%
Innovative
56%
Ambitious
53%
Source: Pew Research Center Survey (N=1835) 2014