The Leadership Challenge - Week 1

For the next six weeks, we will highlight the phenomenal leadership book, The Leadership Challenge. Written by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership Challenge is “about the practices leaders use to transform values into actions, visions into realities, obstacles into innovations, separateness into solidarity, and risks into rewards.”

In The Leadership Challenge, the authors introduce Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership:
1. Model the way.
2. Inspire a shared vision.
3. Challenge the process.
4. Enable others to act.
5. Encourage the heart.

Within each of these practices, they identify two commitments that form the basis for learning to lead. Together we will explore how these behaviors can help us as we strive to be leaders that make a difference.

Kouzes and Posner assert that “leaders must find their own voice, and then they must clearly and distinctively give voice to their values” (p. 14). They share that “leaders demonstrate their intense commitment to the values they espouse by setting an example,” and that setting an example means “doing what they say they will do” (p. 93).

Challenge Questions for Today:

• Have you found your own voice? Do you know what you stand for?
• Are you setting an example that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to your values?
• Are you a person of your word? Do you do what you say you will do?

Look for a post each Friday for the next six weeks. We will dig deeper into each of the practices of exemplary leadership and challenge ourselves to be better leaders. Have a great weekend!

Source: Kouzes, J.M. and Posner, B.Z. (2002). The leadership challenge. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.

A Leader Making a Difference: Laurie Loew

When I think of selling or buying a home, an image of paperwork, hassles, and loan payments come to mind. As a college student, this is a dreary image; however, through Laurie Loew's business, Give Realty, there is light shed on the sometimes dim and financially-straining situation.

Give Realty, Inc. is an Austin Real Estate company that believes in giving back to the community through donating 25% of all proceeds to the non-profit* of the home-buyers choice. The common-known saying, "Those who give, shall receive" is truly exemplified by this business model. The company has been able to assist in donations to non-profits for a grand total of $79,040.30. For 2010 alone, her business has assisted in the donation of $34,929.25. Laurie was presented with the 2010 Ethics in Business Award. The recipient of this exudes the following qualities: respect, fairness, honesty, striving for justice, and embracing sustainability. Click here to see a list of the different organizations that have already benefitted from this philanthropic model.

In such stressful economic times, Laurie is setting a great example for other businesses to follow, as she continues to give back to her community. Leadership is not about who serves you, but who you serve. Give Realty has truly set the standard for ethical business practices in the 21st century. Their influence is paving the way and allowing so many people to make a difference.

The dreary thoughts of buying or selling a home are relieved through the gift of giving. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Laurie has found her way to serve her community; how will you find yours?

90210 and Leadership

Today's date is September 2nd, 2010, which consequently is 90210! This got me thinking of the show Beverly Hills 90210, which I will admit was one of my favorite shows at one time. I still catch reruns on SoapNet.

Now, I know what you must be thinking. What could 90210 have to do with leadership? As I think back on the 10 seasons of 90210, one episode always stands out to me as a great example of the positive impact that an effective leader can have on other people and situations.

Donna Martin was the typical sweet, wholesome, nice girl who made the mistake of having a few drinks before Senior Prom. She then gets sick and has to be taken home. The problem here was that the School Board announced they would be cracking down on anyone who was drunk at Prom. Because of her actions Donna would not be able to graduate or participate in any senior activities. She made a mistake, but an unfair example was being made of her.

This did not sit well with her friends and one of them stepped up to fight what was happening to Donna. Brandon Walsh was always the good guy on the show. He usually did the right thing, but until this point he really was not the leader he could be. He rallied his friends and the entire class and got them to all leave their final exams and march to where the school board was meeting to discuss Donna's appeal. In the end Donna was able to graduate with her friends.

Brandon, like all of us, was always a leader. But it took something happening to his friend to get him to step out of the crowd and use his gifts to create positive change. Leadership is about stepping up! Brandon was successful the moment he decided to LEAD! We are successful at that point as well! Being a leader takes courage and Brandon had that courage! We all must have the courage to lead because our world needs effective leaders!

I challenge you all to stand up and lead today on 90210! As much as I like the show, I don't encourage you to watch it. I encourage you to turn off the television and go make a difference in someone's life!