Leadership and management are closely related concepts, although they mean two completely different attitudes to work. Kouzes and Posner (2017) rightly asserted that while the context of leadership is constantly changing, the content of leadership generally remains the same. They developed a unique and universal tool of Five Leadership Practices which proved critical in growing revenues and making things work in organizations in 96% of cases (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Therefore, scholars highly recommend that CEOs apply these practices and even provide training on developing the necessary competencies. This paper aims to reflect on how the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership can be applied in real-life business environment situations.
The Course
The course content was interesting to navigate, and it proved helpful in supporting my personal and professional development. Initially, I had some assumptions that were reinforced during the class: the serving nature of leadership, the importance of encouraging others and sharing energy, and valuing personal input. However, I underestimated the critical aspect of listening to people while remaining open to their opinions and observations. Importantly, without getting the framework of a Five Practice of Exemplary Leadership tool, I would remain a bit puzzled about the ‘perfect’ leadership path.
Model the Way
This practice means that I should ‘walk the walk,’ that is be genuine in my speeches and be a role model for doing the things I encourage other people to do. Modeling the way means I understand where the team is going and why. In my future business context, this practice will be critical in establishing the business – choosing the sphere where I can apply my competencies, and the best ways to meet the customers’ pains, needs, and desires. The evidence of me being successful will be launching a start-up with five-seven people who trust me.
Inspire a Shared Vision
Inspiring a shared vision means that I deliver a message that explains my vision of where the team is going, and how we are going to reach the destination. Through my power of pathos, ethos, and logos I should create a vision of a bright future while remaining realistic so that this future can become a reality. In my future business context, I would hold cozy team meetings where I will present my vision, and team members will reflect on how they perceive it. I should capture everyone’s imagination with my vision of the endpoint, which will determine my success with this practice.
Challenge the Process
As I mentioned above, this part is the hardest for me. I am very sensitive to critics, and if I will have to admit that I was wrong, I may feel devastated or stagnated. Kouzes and Posner (2017) assert that challenging the process requires risk-taking, and regarding failures not caused by poor performance. I will have to accept that making mistakes is a part of a process and learn to enjoy my failures, seeing them as wins over stagnation. Making mistakes and moving forward, remaining vibrant in my moves and ways will signalize that I am successful in this practice.
Enable Others to Act
Enabling others to act implies collaboration and relationship-based work. In my opinion, the team is the most important aspect of the business’ success. I put a lot of trust and hope in people, give them all my energy and devotion, and expect them to do the same. In my future business context, I will share my revitalizing energy in encouraging my team. I will probably work with very different people – I will hire them, knowing that people with distinct individualities and skills are all needed and welcome to make a living, breathing inspirational business. My success will be determined by every team member feeling at their place, valued and powerful.
Encourage the Heart
Frankly speaking, I usually feel encouraged, even in the most damaged states and environments. At some point, I discovered that tiredness and losing direction are two strong adverse forces. In my future business context, throughout the journey, the wins will be celebrated, while the path to the endpoint will be re-imagined. I will encourage people by speaking to them at meetings, asking them questions, and re-establishing the vision. The sympathy of people for each other and feeling the shared direction will mean success.
Mission and Purpose of a Transformational Leader
Inspiring transformation in a business-related organizational setting, for me, will involve the mission of masterfully using business tools to unite people and align the processes, as these settings are usually too chaotic. In a community-based social-organizational setting, I will see my mission in introducing more vision and purpose. In national setting organizations, I will strive to protect human rights at the workplace through humane working practices. In global setting organizations, I would see my mission in increasing cooperation between nations and developing honest and genuine ways of the most desired relations.
Conclusion
Thus, the reflection was presented on how the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership can be applied in real-life business environment situations. These practices proved their efficiency and are strongly recommended for CEOS globally. They help ensure success in business, social, national, and global organizations. These practices are human-oriented and require the leaders to develop transformational attitudes – be visionary, experience challenges, and encourage team members.
Reference
Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organizations. John Wiley & Sons.