According to an extensive database compiled by Kouzes and Posner (2002), leaders who accomplish extraordinary results with others use five leadership practices. Their actions contribute to their effectiveness and the success of those with whom they work. Effective leaders use these five leadership practices:
- Model the way - It is no surprise that effective leaders are credible.....They are clear about their own personal values and views and build a consensus among others about the values that will guide all of them. Leaders 'model the way' by checking to make sure their actions are consistent with their values...
- Inspire a shared vision - Effective leaders care deeply about what they want to accomplish and work with their colleagues to identify common, shared goals and aspirations for the future
- Challenge the process - Effective leaders question and work to change the status quo. They take on challenging projects that help them learn something new. They learn from their failures as well as their successes...
- Enable others to act - Leaders foster collaboration and teamwork. They share power and responsibility. They actively remove hierarchy and other roadblocks to increase interactions among people who need to work together.
- Encourage the heart - Effective leaders build a strong caring community in which people praise and recognize success. They know success breeds success and celebrate each small milestone. They support and encourage everyone when the going gets tough.
From: Leading Every Day by Joyce Kaser, Susan Mundry, Katherine E. Stiles, and Susan Loucks-Horsley
Published by: Corwin Press & NSDC (National Staff Development Council)
I would also add being transparent to that list. I think that great leaders not only have a vision, but share that vision and the plan/path leading to that vision with their team. I often find that the importance of transparency is overlooked, while transparency is imperative to change and good leadership. If the team that you are working with understands the motives, steps needed to take and intended outcome, then they will be able to figure out how they fit into that vision and what role they have in moving forward.
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