by Lester Coupland

Leadership as a set of practices

One question we are often asked during our LSC leadership and strategy development programs is "Are leaders born or made?"

Whilst certain natural attributes can enhance leadership performance, most people now accept that the behaviours and practices of leadership can in-fact be learned and developed.

Kouzes and Posner's transformational leadership model, known as the "The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership," (1) emphasises this point, proposing that leadership is a set of practices, not a position or inherent trait.

Furthermore these practices, when consistently applied, can be learned and enhanced to achieve great results.

The five practices are:

Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and, Encourage the Heart.

Here's what each practice means:

Model the Way

Leaders need to clarify their values and be consistently guided by them. They need to be a role model and set an example to their teams and peers.

Inspire a Shared Vision

Leaders need to imagine and co-create the future and inspire others to share and believe in that vision.

Challenge the Process

Leaders need to be willing to speak up and challenge the status quo when they know it is necessary to do so. They should seek out new opportunities as well as encouraging innovation and experimentation.

Enable Others to Act

Leaders need to foster collaboration and build trust by developing competence as well as nurturing and empowering others.

Encourage the Heart

Leaders need to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the contributions of others, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.

We have found these practices resonate strongly with our partners and learners during our coaching, mentoring and development work with leaders.

We are always ready to share our thinking with you and explore how these five practices can enhance the impact of your own leaders.

Kouzes and Posner's "Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership" was first published in 1987 as part of their book, "The Leadership Challenge.’’