Jim Kouzes' and Barry Posner's Core Chart for Great Leadership
Kouzes and Posner have been studying and teaching the dynamics of great leadership for over 25 years. Their pioneering research started in 1983. They sought to find patterns of success in the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people, people with the right ideas doing the right things. Their report on their findings,
The Leadership Challenge, now in its fourth edition, has sold over 1 million copies and is one of the most respected core charts for leadership available. They have now amassed data from over 3 million interviews. So, in the end, this is solidly grounded wisdom that really works.
Here's the core chart:
Modeling the way - through clarity of purpose, strength of character, and steadfastness in execution;
Inspiring a shared vision - through respectful and empathetic dialogue with those involved in the endeavour;
Challenging the process - through pioneering exploration of innovative ways of realizing the vision together;
Enabling others to act - through building trusting relationships that involve and support people in the complex and challenging task of working together;
Encouraging the heart - through helping people align their cherished values with their responsibilities and circumstances to achieve genuine acts of caring and contribution.
As with all of the core charts we've identified at Jazzthink, this one provides a foundation upon which you can build your own unique voice and brilliance in leadership, aligning your gifts and aspirations with others to contribute your collective best to what matters most. It deals with attitudes, behaviours, and consequences coming together in a team performance that showcases the brilliance of each participant in a collective effort that makes a positive difference.
Each practice is an essential element in great leadership. The melody of positive influence works best when you play all the notes in a pleasing combination. Each person will manage these practices and craft these notes in slightly different ways, adding a richness of authenticity to the performance. But together they form a flow of impact that creates amazing results.
Take a few minutes to think about how you are practicing these notes in your leadership and how you might improve your performance through giving them greater focus and attention.