(The below comes from a lecture based upon the research of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner.)

What is Leadership?

"Leadership is a relationship" between the leader and the led.

"Leadership is everyone's business" -- it's not a position, a role, a title; it can come from anyone, anytime, in any part of the organization.

"Leadership development is self-development." Like a singer's instrument is his or her voice, a leader's instrument is himself or herself.

What Makes an Exemplary Leader?

A few of the things that stand out about exemplary leaders are:

• Vision
• Communicate your role in that vision
• Invests time in people
• Bring out the best in people
• Sincerity
• Great strength
• Listens
• Encourages learning
• Shows his or her true self
• Surrounded by the best
• Success through people
• Approachable
• Makes you feel appreciated
• DWYSYGTD
• Gives others freedom to act
• Authentic
• Genuine

The Five Leadership Practices

The above are examples of common practices that have been seen across a large sample of exemplary leaders in a large variety of industries and organizations. These practices can be distilled into:

1. Model the Way
2. Inspire a Shared Vision
3. Challenge the Process
4. Enable Others to Act
5. Encourage the Heart