Kouzes and Posner (2002) stress two key commitments as being part of Modeling the Way – one of five practices of exemplary leadership. The first is finding one’s voice, where a leader must fully understand her values and beliefs, for they are what drives, empowers, guides, and motivates behaviors. The second commitment is setting the example by aligning one’s actions with the shared values. A good leader will practice what she preaches.
Although you may be outspoken and have no trouble finding your voice, there may still be room for improvement in this area. There are times when words must be chosen with even more care than usual. Delicate situations may call for skilled diplomacy, and verbal mistakes may be costly. Think about this -- words can inspire men to give up their lives; words can also destroy the one who speaks them. Pay attention to your words.
The second commitment requires us to align our actions and values in order to set a good example for the others. Part of being a good leader is not asking anyone else to do something that your wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. It is this kind of commitment and drive that will motivate others to do their best. Wherever there’s good leadership, there’s commitment, shared values, integrity, determination, drive, and hard work. These qualities seem to evoke trust, commitment, and dedication from others.
Modeling the way is one of the ways to develop exemplary leadership. When properly executed, good leadership skills bring success. A skilled leader knows her values and is able to convey them to others. Beyond that, she is able to align her own actions with the team’s shared values fostering trust, cooperation, and unity.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2002). The leadership challenge (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Company.
