What does it mean to you to be a leader? Can leadership be defined? Can followers also be leaders? How do you get others to follow your vision? All these questions can be answered by the simple answer that a leader must incorporate the five practices of exemplary leadership daily which can be found in Kouzes and Posner's book, "The Leadership Challenge."
The five leadership practices are:
1. Model the way
"Clarify values by finding your voice and affirming shared values. Set the example by aligning actions with shared values" (p.46).
2. Inspire a shared vision
"Envision the future by imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities. Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations" (p. 94).
3. Challenge the process
"Search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and looking outward for innovative ways to improve. Experiment and take risks by consistently generating small wins and learning from experience" (p. 144).
4. Enable others to act
"Foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships. Strengthen others by increasing self determination and developing confidence (p. 194).
5. Encourage the heart
"Recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence. Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community" (p. 247).
Each of these practices focuses on a different aspect of leadership. As I read this book, I relived a previous leadership role I had in high school to be co-captain of both the soccer and basketball team my senior year. I believe the co-captains and I especially on the basketball team "modeled the way" for future captains and leaders on the team to come. We focused a lot on team bonding that year and leading by example on and off the court.
Something the other co-captains and I realized throughout our time on the team over the years was that if the teammates got along off the court than they played well with each other on the court. We had team dinners, sleepovers, movie nights, and many other team-centered activities. We had game rituals of dancing and getting motivated before the games with music. We formed some strong friendships that year which in turn I believe helped us win the championship.
Our coaches helped us to "inspire a shared vision" with the being making it to districts and the next goal winning districts. They told us to take it game by game and everyone who played regardless of whether they played a lot or were substitutes, was on board with the vision. As leaders and followers I believe we all "challenged the process" that season. We went above and beyond at practices, held ourselves accountable for mistakes made, and encouraged one another throughout the whole season.
By holding each other accountable to achieving our full potential, we "enabled others to act." I believe with the strong relationships on and off the court and the exceptional hard work ethic of everyone during practicing and games was the glue that kept the together and focused.
The underdogs came out on top that year as District Champions. I believe as captains we led by example with "encouraging the heart." High-fives and words of encouragement were a common occurrence on this team. The player that scored the most points that night and the player that had a defensive stop got the same amount of praise from my team. If someone had a bad pass or shot there would still be encouragement.
It was truly a pleasure to be apart of such a special team and I felt that it was the start of me becoming the leader I am today. Reading "The Leadership Challenge" and the five exemplary leadership practices has helped me reflect on such a positive life experience and what it truly means to be a leader.
Notice how I never used "I" in this article because there is no "I" in TEAM just like there is no team captain without their teammates.
