Do you accept the challenge?

Last Thursday I posed a question.  “What traits do you look for most in a leader?”  Did you come up with some answers?  James Kouzes and Barry Posner have asked this question for over 25 years of research, and the results are astoundingly consistent across time and culture: Honest, Forward-Looking, Inspiring, and Competent.  Are any on your list?  I know I had a few.

Kouzes and Posner incorporated this data into their research on personal best leadership experiences.  The result?  An incredibly in-depth “how-to” for effective and positive leadership development.  The Leadership Challenge is a field guide for leaders filled with stories, lessons, and exercises.  The book is broken down into the Five Exemplary Practices and the Ten Commitments of Leadership.

Overall, I highly recommend The Leadership Challenge for readers who have a specific leadership role in mind.  If you are looking for a quick read for general knowledge, this nearly 400-page book might be a bit much.  However, it is very inspiring to read The Leadership Challenge if you are looking to rise into a leadership role.  The stories are not from famous CEOs or historical leaders.  The stories are from every day leaders – from executives to middle managers to Girl Scout troop leaders.  The overall message of the book is that anyone can lead. Anyone can develop the skills.  Yes, all leaders are born, but the best leaders can be made.