The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership^®

Leaders model the way. Leaders know themselves. They are clear about their own personal values, and behave in ways that adhere to those values. Similarly, in the workplace, leaders help to shape shared values, and then align their behaviors and actions to support and safeguard those shared values. Credibility is key. They set the example.

Leaders inspire a shared vision. Leaders look across the horizon of time to envision an ennobling and uplifting future. They are positive. They bring the future to life by speaking of it frequently, and in ways that appeal to the individuals on whom they will rely to make that future a reality. They enlist those individuals by making sure that the future comprehends their interests and hopes and dreams.

Leaders challenge the process. Leaders are pioneers. They are curious, inquisitive, restless to the point of regularly seeking to enhance the way things are done. They innovate, experiment, create, and look beyond the boundaries of their own work environment for inspiration and ideas. They accept and take risks, and learn from the accompanying mistakes. Equally importantly, leaders encourage and support the individuals on whom they rely to do the same.

Leaders enable others to act.  Leaders know they cannot do it alone. They build cooperative and collaborative relationships with their constituents by involving them in planning, actively listening to their points of view, distributing ownership and supporting them in their decision-making. They take a keen interest in helping those people acquire new skills and grow in their jobs. Most importantly, despite the ups and downs in the environment in which they work, leaders consistently treat their constituents with dignity and respect.

Leaders encourage the heart. Leaders express heartfelt recognition to individuals for their contributions. They also celebrate the achievement of milestones as teams and individuals make progress toward goals in ways that are meaningful to their constituents.