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The Leadership Challenge

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 2,161 ratings · 151 reviews

The most trusted resource on becoming a leader is now updated and revised for a new generation. This leadership classic continues to be a bestseller after three editions and twenty years in print. It is the gold standard for research-based leadership, and the premier resource on becoming a leader. This new edition, with streamlined text, more international and business exa...more

Paperback, 389 pages

Published August 1st 2008 by Jossey-Bass (first published October 1987)

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May 07, 2013 Loy Machedo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great Content, Numerous Personalities being Quoted, Very Apt Anecdotes, Easy to Understand Principles and Universal Application is how I would describe what the book ‘The Leadership Challenge’ is all about.

What is this book about?

PART 1
What Leaders do and What Constituents Expect
1. The 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

2. Credibility Is The Foundation of Leadership:
For people to...more

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May 04, 2013 Brenda Peick rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: self-improvement, business

Recently, I saw a talk by Barry Posner at the College of St. Catherine. The guy was engaging. I was all ready to not like him, but he had me hooked before he even began. I was gazing into space (instead of networking) before his talk, and he came up to me and asked me if I was sleeping. Sarcastic people unite!! or, is it untie? Whatever, I love people with a sense of humor. And, it wasn't like there was only 10 people there, I bet there was 150 or more people at this function. He was working the...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Ivan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

While at times it is good to examine some of the more practical elements of leadership, I think it is more fruitful to consider the core aspects of leadership that drive and fuel the more practical implications. I believe that is where Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, excels. Now in its fourth edition, this now classic work distills five practices of exemplary leadership: 1) model the way; 2) inspire a shared vision; 3) challenge the process; 4) enable others to act; and 5) en...more While at times it is good to examine some of the more practical elements of leadership, I think it is more fruitful to consider the core aspects of leadership that drive and fuel the more practical implications. I believe that is where Kouzes and Posner’s book, The Leadership Challenge, excels. Now in its fourth edition, this now classic work distills five practices of exemplary leadership: 1) model the way; 2) inspire a shared vision; 3) challenge the process; 4) enable others to act; and 5) encourage the heart.

One of the benefits of this book is that fleshes out these five practices in very tangible, real-life ways. And by focusing more on the inner-core aspects of leadership, it adds a more meaty and useful dimension to any discussion on leadership. On the downside, though, I believe this work unnecessarily reaches up to 400 pages. These five principles could have easily been communicated in 20 pages. But, alas, we are now dealing with the moneymaking reality of the publishing world. That said, the reader should not minimize the value of the five practices discussed in the book. They are a helpful corrective to some of the shallow and supposedly innovative things in leadership literature that claim to ensure immediate success. Kouzes and Posner, in a very lucid prose, bring us back to the basics of leadership that we all intuitively know yet all too often fail to verbalize and implement in strategic and thoughtful ways.

One of the most helpful discussions was in the chapter on inspiring a shared vision (p. 103), in which the authors talk at length about envisioning the future. They provide a helpful word picture driving through a fog for leadership that is forward- looking in times of rapid change. The point of the analogy is simple:

“to become a leader you must be able to envision the future. The speed of change doesn’t alter this fundamental truth about leadership. People only want to follow those who can see beyond today’s problems and visualize a brighter tomorrow” (125).

As I consider my own leadership development, it is helpful to think through this key principle. As pastors we traffic in the often messy reality of ministry as we serve people who are caught in the struggle of battling sin, Satan, and the world. As leaders, though, we are called to see beyond what we see with our eyes and gaze upon what will one day be. To put it more concretely, as a pastor I will be called to see the glorified, sinless nature of the believer I am ministering to right now who is overwhelmed with discouragement and much stumbling. As I consider the church I already serve at back home, it is encouraging to remember that one day Christ will finally present his bride the church to the Father “having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Eph. 5: 27). As a leader, I must have the leadership ability to “envision the future”; and a pastor, the most freeing thought is that God has already revealed to us in His Word what that future will look like. While we daily grind in the ministry responsibilities, we do so with the realization that one day all things will be made right; evil will be no more; struggling saints will soon be glorified worshippers. For the Christian leader, there is no more life- giving and worship-producing reality than that. It not only fuels our service for today, but it also gives us hope for tomorrow.(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Nolan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a very in-depth book that challenges leaders to mobilize their people to get extraordinary things done in their organizations. The content is very digestible, intuitive, and compelling. I like leadership books that offer intuitive content and at the same time teach me to apply what I’m reading. Another book that does this incredibly well is Leadership 2.0. I highly recommend both of these books. This book is called “The Leadership Challenge” for a reason: the chapters offer anecdotes and...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Dr. David Steele rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner assists people in furthering their abilities to lead others in order to get extraordinary things done. Every person has the capacity to develop the necessary skills and character qualities to reach a level of measurable leadership effectiveness. Leadership is defined at the outset as “the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations.”

The central thesis of the book is that leaders are at their best when they particip...more The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner assists people in furthering their abilities to lead others in order to get extraordinary things done. Every person has the capacity to develop the necessary skills and character qualities to reach a level of measurable leadership effectiveness. Leadership is defined at the outset as “the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations.”

The central thesis of the book is that leaders are at their best when they participate at a heart level in five key areas. Each chapter deals with these areas on a philosophical level and proceed to give practical suggestions on how to implement these principles. Further, embedded in the five fundamental practices of effective leadership are behaviors that serve as the basis for learning to lead. The authors call these the Ten Commitments. These five fundamental areas of effective leaders as well as the Ten Commitments are spelled out below.

First, leaders are at their best when they challenge the process. Kouzes and Posner suggest that effective leaders constantly challenge the status quo. They are never satisfied and consistently monitor progress; they push for excellence. Leaders are change agents who do not change merely for the sake of change but for the purpose of propelling the organization into the future. “So leaders must challenge the process precisely because any system will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change” write Kouzes and Posner.

Second, leaders are at their best when they inspire a shared vision. Vision is defined as “an ideal and unique image of the future.” The two Commitments that help leaders accomplish the above are envisioning an uplifting and ennobling future and enlisting others in a common vision by appealing to their values, interests, hopes and dreams.

The third essential quality of leadership is enabling others to act. The central idea is to promote cooperative goals, seek integrative solutions and build trusting relationships. It follows then, that the two Commitments that enhance this quality is fostering collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust. as well as strengthening people by empowering them.

The fourth plank in the book is modeling the way. DWYSYWD is an essential step in this process: “Do What You Say You Will Do.” Three ideas saturate this section. They include, 1) Clarify personal values and beliefs and those of others, 2) Unify constituents around shared values and 3) Pay attention constantly to how self and others are living the values. The two Commitments that drive this important aspect of the leadership challenge include setting the example by behaving in ways that are consistent with shared values and achieving small wins that promote consistent progress which builds commitment.

Fifth, effective leaders encourage the heart of constituents. These leaders make a practice of building self-confidence through high expectations, connect performance and rewards and carry a positive attitude through the day. The last two Commitments that enhance this process include recognizing individual contributions and regularly celebrating team accomplishments.

The final chapter crystallizes the content of the book by reviewing the central propositions and by proposing practical application. While the first twelve chapters make for excellent reading, chapter thirteen is worth the price of the book. Kouzes and Posner present a matrix that serve to help leaders grow in their abilities. The matrix suggests that leaders grow in three significant ways: First, they grow through a process of trial and error. They experience hardships, job experience and job assignments that help them develop as leaders. Here they learn new skill sets in the school of hard knocks. Second, they grow educationally. Effective leaders engage in formal training and education to enhance their leadership abilities. It is recommended that leaders spend a minimum of fifty hours annually on personal and professional development. Third, they grow by observation. They develop key relationships and learn from personal mentors. They also learn by observing bad examples, i.e. other people in the organization that exhibit poor behavior, a lack of integrity, etc.

The Leadership Challenge is a tremendous book. Every pastor pursuing kingdom purposes should read this book. While the material is written from a secular perspective, many of the principles are transferable to the local church context. The book is highly readable, practical and encouraging. The broad research base that is utilized in the book add to its credibility.

I plan on visiting The Leadership Challenge again and again. I anticipate utilizing the principles in ministry and sharing them with other leaders and pastors. My ministry will only be stronger by studying this book!
(less)

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Apr 21, 2011 Paul Signorelli rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership, training, workplace-learning-and-performance

James Kouzes and Barry Posner, throughout "The Leadership Challenge," effectively document the obvious and important influences leaders have on those around them. Their “Five Practices and Ten Commitments of Leadership” include reminders that leaders “model the way,” “inspire a shared vision,” “challenge the process,” “enable others to act,” and “encourage the heart,” and their suggested commitments include one to “set the example by aligning actions with shared values” —ideas that we all too of...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Graham rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While at first glance you may think that this will be a dry and boring business-type book, I'm sure that you will be pleasantly surprised. The authors, Kouzes and Posner, have written a book that is not only filled with well-researched data, helpful guidance and applicable examples, but have written it in such a way that it is most enjoyable.

I have always looked for those leadership books that provide examples. It is one thing to verbally draw an image of a "leader" and quite another to actually...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Tom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kouzes, James, and Barry Posner (1987, 1995, 2002, 2007, 2012), The Leadership Challenge, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA. A very readable, well-researched, and practical book about leadership, now in its fourth edition. It includes interesting insights about what followers expect of their leaders, and rich descriptions of how to accomplish the five leadership challenges in contemporary organizations: challenging the process, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, modeling the way, an...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Bruce Flanagan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I consider Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner to be the best research-based book ever written in the field of leadership.

What I love about this book is that it is actually written for its readers!

Let's face it--very few readers of business books are CEO's of multi-billion corporations. Yet many business books follow the same over-used formula--interviewing CEOs--talking about what they are doing so well--and suggesting that you do the same thing.

Leadership Challenge is based upo...more

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Mar 01, 2009 Jeff rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

When I posted the review on Warren Bennis' "On Leadership", I mentioned that books I had started since I had started Bennis' text had caused me to re-think whether or not I found Bennis' text informative. "The Leadership Challenge" was the book that spurred the re-thinking.

Pretty good insight as to how to become a better leader. Lots of good stories and examples. Many of the tricks they offer are easy to implement - being a better leader is as simple as choosing to be a better leader. This book...more

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Apr 03, 2009 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Can't believe that I haven't entered this on my Good Reads list. This is one of the major books that we used for professional development in Alabama. As you can see, it is in its 4th edition, so it has stood the test of time and evolved a bit to incorporate use of new strategies and tools (for example, the Internet).

The authors offer a 5-part framework for leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.

Kouzes and Posner h...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Blake Kanewischer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership, business

This book was too academic to be really engrossing. As an academic treatise on leadership, it was fine. As a practical manual on leadership, it was lacking in specifics.

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Mar 31, 2013 Hollins rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: career, non-fiction, self-improvement, textbook

This book was required for class. As a business undergrad, I've read a lot of books on managing already. These two guys are supposed to be the best in the industry. I would believe that.

Whether or not this book can make YOU the best in the industry, too, is another matter. The advice in Leadership Challenge really comes down to two things:

1 - Don't be oblivious
2 - Don't be a douche

These aren't really teachable skills. If you haven't figured it out for yourself already, then perhaps you shouldn't...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Larissa added it

supplemental read for my first grad course. excellent. loved the examples

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Apr 26, 2013 Gene Babon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

Very few actions (or inactions) can bring an organization to its knees more quickly than poor leadership. If you are part of an organization that is not currently functioning on all cylinders, then take The Leadership Challenge.

It is rare that a business book makes it to a fifth edition, 25 years after its first publication. This book has staying power.

First, a definition: "Leaders get people moving."

The Leadership Challenge is evidence-based. It outlines Five Practices that are derived from res...more

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Mar 23, 2010 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

I really enjoyed this book. It teaches many important leadership skills and principles. I was inspired and want to be a good leader! Here are some of the main take aways:

Leadership is a relationship.

Credibility is the foundation of leadership. Be honest, forward-looking, inspiring, and competent.

Model the Way by clarifying values and setting an example.

Inspire a Shared Vision by envisioning the future and enlisting others. As a part of this you need to imagine the possibilities and find a common...more

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Mar 29, 2008 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: leadership

This is a great common sense book although difficult practice book about the best leadership practices that all managers/leaders/parents/ etc. could benefit from practicing. The payoff is life long relationships and long term business and life results.

As with all personal change processes to become a better leader, finding ways to hold one's self accountable, inquire to others about changes they see, etc. should be a part of any personal change process. So, the book is great, adding personal pr...more

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Jan 12, 2008 Russell rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book from my father-in-law for my birthday (2006). He's using it as a textbook for a leadership course at Neumont University. Most business-related books I've read (like The Tipping Point, almost done which is why I don't have a post yet) seem to be filled to the brim with case studies. While I understand the importance of citing evidence in the proposed point(s) of the book, it seems very "fluffy" to me and I tend to scan rather than digest. This book follows that recipe and the...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had to read this as part of a group project (for a class in the nonprofit management certificate program).

While I think this book provides some great ideas and insight for leaders, I think it could be shorter. It's a little repetitive and redundant at times. I don't think it provided me with much information that I hadn't heard before--though some of the examples were nice illustrations.

Honestly, I've just read half of it--and will only read one more chapter (the chapter I'm responsible for pr...more

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May 20, 2009 Rob rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: business

I read the Leadership Challenge as part of an IT management Book Club. The discussions about leadership amongst the management team was enjoyable and rewarding. The book served as the backdrop, but by itself was not so enjoyable.
I am not a big fan of self help or motivational books, so the Leadership Challenge started at a disadvantage. It did have plenty of real world examples to back up the teachings and was neatly organized into 5 topics of leadership.
However, there seemed to be too much fluf...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Chris rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation about a book on leadership I always send them here first. Their research, their sense of the "whole self" needed to make individual change happen, their emphasis on practical work to get you there, makes Kouzes and Posner's work a must read for any organizational development professional and anyone who wants to turn themselves into a better, more self-aware, thoughtful, and successful leader.

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Jun 20, 2012 Katie Symons rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I only give it four stars instead of five because it isn't something that interests me in general. I had to read it for my masters class and it is the only book in my post-graduate work that has been worth my time. The authors make some excellent points that are fitting to any field of work. It is helpful to anyone wanting to make a difference.

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Apr 27, 2012 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was the first leadership book I ever read back in the early 90's. My first leadership job was a gift and this book is packed with evidence based truths' that exist today. I read the first edition and this is their fourth edition. Great website. Raised my kids on these truths, and they turned out pretty special:)...

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Apr 27, 2010 Rhonda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I did not finish this book. I thought there were a few interesting concepts, but after 140 pages it had not presented me with any new information that I could investigate or put into use. I might recommend this to someone who does not have much leadership experience or who has not read many books on the topic.

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Jul 08, 2011 Hillary rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Critical for anyone in leadership - great comprehensive overview of current research & practice, helpful stories...great for processing what might be challenging in current situations with helpful frameworks.
4th edition...ok, it's got to be good!! And I really think it is.

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Mar 15, 2013 Haytham Badawey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is about the art of leadership, it has numerous stories from successful leaders. It gives you 13 simple lessons (chapters) that you can remember and reflect while practicing leadership.

This book is not about "science of leadership" though, it's about the state of the art of leadership. It describes in details what traits and characteristics that leaders must possess, and also describes how to motivate yourself and your subordinates, how to encourage others to achieve and how to reward...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a very good book! After reading this I realized there were some things I did well as a leader but other aspects on which I could improve. I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to improve as a leader whether on-campus or in their chosen profession.

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Oct 13, 2007 Peter Mello rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: new managers

Shelves: leadership

The Leadership Challenge is clearly a management classic. What sets it apart from most business / leadership books is that the authors use examples from everyday managers and avoid the superstar ceo's. The lessons laid out are clear and actionable and if followed they will help all managers do a better job in leading their people.

At times Leadership Challenge makes it seem like leadership is easy if the reader follows their perscriptions. Unfortunately, leadership is not that easy. It would hav...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While not the most fascinating read in the library, this leadership text book is an excellent "how-to," setting forth clear principles of leadership and strong examples of leaders in action at all levels. It's one of the better books I've read on the topic.

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May 12, 2011 Curt Carroll rated it 4 of 5 stars

A good and standard Leadership book....right up until pg 351 (the lst page). Pg 351 makes the journey through this book worthwhile.

"When anyone asks me that question (how he went about developing leadership), I tell tham I have the secret to success in life. The secret to success is to stay in love. Staying in love gives you the fire to ignite other people, to see inside other people, to have a greater desire to get things done than other people. A person who is not in love doesn't really feel t...more

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