was re -reading the fabulous book “ The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes and Posner. Found it accidentally when I was clearing our basement! It was written some time ago.

Its elegance and simplicity is so clear and the message so real and current today.

Here is what I got out of it and I wanted to share it with you its pretty powerful and this book was written in1995.

1. Challenge the process!

 Find a new path- its clear that new paths lead to new destinations.

Leaders are pioneers and they are learners.

Nothing much changes if you stay with the status quo.

Processes were never built to last as a business changes so do processes.

2. Inspire a shared Vision

 To gain the maximum you must focus on the specific.

Imagine an exciting future- Imagine what you want to be famous for.

Develop a “oneness” with others to achieve the dream.

Speak the language that others understand.

3. Enable others to act (make their contribution)

 Give permission to others so that they make decisions.

Teamwork is key to effective leadership.

Leaders understand that they need the inclusive support of all around them.

Leaders develop leaders of their followers.

4. Model the way

Behaviors and not titles win respect and deliver real results.

Leaders set examples and forge the path.

Leaders set the standards.

Leaders set guiding principles.

Leaders develop plans that are based on small details that grow into big things.

5. Encourage the Heart

Understanding that people need self-esteem and the ability to feel worthy and of value.

Show people how they can be winners and true champions of their future.

To love what they do and to love their customers their co-workers – is the best leadership value of all.

Continually uplift and kindle the spirit of those around you and give yourself as a leader permission to also focus on what gives you energy.

As Tom Peters states in his forward. “The real trick, of course, is turning these (5) very human practices into something that we ordinary folks can, practice.”

What do I think?...In essence think and act differently with your heart and the rest will follow.