A Look At Leadership

Are you a leader or a follower? We all need to be both. Sometimes we know what has to be decided or accomplished and we can influence others to get moving. Other times, we accept others’ influence. While authority is sometimes important, sharing good sense is more central to personal, team and organizational success. That’s collaboration.

Yes, those in management should be leaders, but leadership is not something that is lodged in a position. Managers are so involved with systems, paperwork, coordination, budgets and the like that the people aspects of their jobs may get short shrift. Whoever has a vision and passion for improvement — in little or big things – has a responsibility to lead.

So what do leaders do? James Kouzes and Barry Posner have sold nearly two million copies of The Leadership Challenge answering that question. Their “Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” have two dimensions each. They are:

1. Model the Way

• Find Your Voice
• Set the Example

2. Inspire a Shared Vision

• Envision the Future
• Enlist Others

3. Challenge the Process

• Search for Opportunities
• Experiment and Take Risks

4. Enable Others to Act

• Foster Collaboration
• Strengthen Others

5. Encourage the Heart

• Recognize Contributions
• Celebrate the Values and Victories

In this series of articles, we will explore each of these dimensions as well as the specific ways to use leadership skills. Your comments and short stories along with mine will bring these ideas to life.

Glen

Glen Fahs, Ph.D., has been researching leadership and developing leaders for 40 years, the last 15 serving members of Cascade Employers Association.