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 often set aside as we’re dealing with the varied and conflicting directives coming our way.

Furthermore, citing the extensive research they have completed, they remind us of the tremendous influence leaders have: ‘If you’re a manager in an organization, to your direct reports you are the most important leader in your organization…The leaders who have the most influence on people are those who are the closest to them,” they write. “You have to challenge the myth that leadership is about position and power…” The book has a well deserved reputation as must-read material for leaders and anyone interested in leadership, and provides inspiration for those of us involved in workplace learning and performance (training) since so much of what we do helps develop leadership skills among those we serve.