The Five Practices and Ten Commitments of Exemplary Leadership

Model the Way

• Clarify values by finding your vice and affirming shared values.
• Set the example by aligning actions with shared values.

Inspire a Shared Vision

• Envision the future by imagining exciting and enabling possibilities.
• Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations.

Challenge the Process

• Search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and looking outward for innovation.
• Experiment and take risks by constantly generating small wins and learning from experience.

Enable Others to Act

• Foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships.
• Strengthen others by increasing self-determination and developing competence. 

Encourage the Heart

• Recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence.
• Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community. (p. 29)
   

How do you demonstrate the five practices of exemplary leadership?

What is one of the ten leadership commitments that you will practice this week?

From: Kouzes, J. and Posner, B. (2012) The leadership challenge: how to make extraordinary things happen in organizations.  John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ.