Encouraging the Heart: A Leader's Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others

by James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner

Model and encourage leadership by focusing on encouraging the best in others All too often, simple acts of human kindness are overlooked and underutilized by people in leadership roles. Advising mutual respect and recognition of accomplishments, Encouraging the Heart shows us how true leaders encourage and motivate those they work with by helping them find their voice and making them feel like heroes. Best-selling experts in the field of leadership, authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner show us that, through love, leaders can encourage those around them to be their very best. Readers will Both practical and inspirational, Encouraging the Heart gives readers a thoughtful approach to motivating individuals within an organizational structure.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Audiobook, Professional Development, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Jim Kouzes has been thinking about leadership ever since he was one of only a dozen Eagle Scouts to be selected to serve in John F. Kennedy's honor guard when Kennedy was inaugurated President of the United States. Kennedy's inaugural call to action -- "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." -- inspired Jim to join the Peace Corps, and he taught school in Turkey for two years. That experience made Jim realize that he wanted a career that offered two things: the chance to teach and the opportunity to serve. It was in his first job back in the U.S. training community action agency managers that Jim found his calling, and he has devoted his life to leadership development ever since.
Jim Kouzes is the coauthor with Barry Z. Posner of the award-winning and best-selling book, The Leadership Challenge, with over 3.0 million copies in print. He's a Fellow of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University and also served as the Dean's Executive Fellow of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. Jim and Barry have coauthored many bestselling leadership books including A Leader's Legacy, Encouraging the Heart, The Truth About Leadership, and Credibility. They are also the developers of The Leadership Practices Inventory—the bestselling off-the-shelf leadership assessment in the world. Their books are extensively researched-based, and over 500 doctoral dissertations and academic studies have been based on their original work.
Not only is Jim a highly regarded leadership scholar, The Wall Street Journal cited Jim as one of the twelve best executive educators in the U.S. He is the 2010 recipient of the Thought Leadership Award from the Instructional Systems Association, listed as one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential International Thinkers, named one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior by Trust Across America, and ranked by Leadership Excellence magazine as one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders. Jim was presented with the Golden Gavel, the highest honor awarded by Toastmasters International, and he and Barry are also the recipients of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Distinguished Contribution to Workplace Learning and Performance Award, presented in recognition of their extensive body of work and the significant impact they have had on learning and performance in the workplace.

Reviews

[Jes Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of showing what a good leader looks like (Jesus) and practical ways to do so. It inspired me to be a better manager (and wish my own managers would read the book). Leading is something anyone can do- badly. Servant leadership, however, is a rare practice, but necessary. So, read this book and find out how.

[Lauren Berryhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!! I have so many ideas about how to be live out my values in my personal and professional life. I’m so inspired!!!

[Eric Mesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a manager training seminar I attended. It's not my first management improvement book and it's not my first touchy feel-y self-improvement book. My dad had me read Dyer, Chopra, Tony Robbins, Maxwell Maltz, and Stephen Covey. But this is the first time I've read a touchy feel-y management improvement book since finish my first assignment as a manager.

So it is with a combination of skepticism and belief that I read this book. I've seen some of these principles put into place and they sometimes work. And I've read of many of the psychology behind the principles and, while I'm no psychologist, they seem to agree.

Upon completing the book, I feel the same way as I did when I made the latest status update. I get the trend to be positive and happy and all that. But what I need is a touch of realism. That's just how I roll. I find that my ability to apply the principles in these kinds of books is limited by their focus on everything being perfect if you follow the plan. What I need is the last section of this book (and similar books) to be - "OK, that didn't work exactly as planned. Here are some things we've noticed....." or "This is how you keep the harmony, koombaya state we just had you erect at work while still disciplining and firing folks." Because just making every feel appreciated doesn't mean everyone's going to work hard or there won't be sexual harassment, etc. The book tries with its last chapter to address this by saying the reader needs to find xis own voice. That things may feel a bit false. I feel like they started off in the right directions and then said some nice things about artists and considered the job done.

This is why I prefer interactive classes and seminars to books. They aren't always perfect, sometimes the facilitator is so focused on being chipper that they dismiss any negativity. But that's not the way to teach, it's the way to make people check out and stop listening to what you're saying. Because some people are mean or inconsiderate at work and just talking works no better than it did with the bullies in grade school.

Anyway, the book has decent principles and it may work for the way your brain works. Flip through it at a book store or something.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Encouraging the Heart"

According to Kouzes & Posner in “Encouraging the Heart,” when leaders do their best in encouraging the heart they practice the following:
1. Set clear standards
2. Expect the best
3. Pay attention
4. Personalize recognition
5. Tell the story
6. Celebrate together
7. Set the example

This makes perfect sense to me in light of both life and leadership experiences; it is simply the right thing to do. My favorite of the practices is "personalizing recognition" because it allows me to use some creativity and imagination, and others really appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into recognition. I think the most important of the practices is setting the example. As leaders, we sometimes forget that our actions are being watched by others (sometimes closely).

This book is quite practical for anyone in a leadership or management role,or even a parent, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their relationship skills.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one came highly recommended from a (really good) speaker at a conference I attended this spring. Unfortunately, this book is as dry as the Sahara. Maybe it's because I've read a bunch of these "be a better manager" books in the last few months, but this one was all the same rhetoric with none of the personality.

[Brittany Laccetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the advice and the anecdotes that Kouzes and Posner outline in thier book Encouraging the Heart. I am not a leader for a business, but I am a teacher and a lot of their advice applies to my job as well. I picked up this book at a Goodwill and it interested me because of my students' lack of interest in anything school related (I teach 9th grade). I am definitely going to start to apply some of the techniques that Kouzes and Posner recommend. Some of my big take aways for the classroom:
-Personalize recognization of students in the classroom who are adhering to our class and school mission statements.
-Know my team mates birthdays and do something small for them to spread some positivity around the school.
- Love the idea of reading The Little Engine that Could to my students (maybe at the end of the year for them to reflect on their freshman year and to encourage them moving forward).
- Start my lessons by saying, "This is a skill that can be aquired".
- Note and notice all the postive examples around me.
-Write a "Thank you" card to a co worker at least once per week

Of course there are several other suggestions and ideas that the authors suggest. I like how they justified each suggestion with logic and reasoning. Overall, I enjoyed this "self help" book.

[Joseph Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging the Heart teaches you how to have empathy for your team. I found the concepts simple, yet truths we often forget in the whirlwind of our day to day.

Some takeaways from the seven essentials...

Set Clear Standards
- Make sure the team knows the goals and where to find this information for themselves.

Expect the Best
- If you, as the leader, do not believe your team can accomplish their goal, they won't.

Pay Attention
- Keep and eye out for the good as well as the bad. Always keep an eye out for someone going the extra mile.

Personalize Recognition
- This is a tough one because of the amount of effort this requires. I feel this is the differentiator between good and great leaders.

Tell the Story
- Reminds me of Made To Stick, a book about how to make your ideas and messages memorable. Story was one of the factors of a sticky idea. I enjoyed the deep dive here. I will remember to always include a surprise.

Celebrate Together
- Always make time to celebrate accomplishments.

Set the Example
- Don't be a hypocrite.

[Chase Cohee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts on the place of encouragement and celebration in corporate leadership. At times it reads as though all management issues can be solved by believing in the competency of your subordinates so that they rise to the level of expectation. I think it’s true that people often rise to the identity they are given by their superiors. However, it would have been helpful if the book explored how to handle direct reports who fail to rise to those level of expectations. It’s probably true that skills are acquired rather than naturally inherited more often than we think, as the book suggests. But I don’t think it’s true in every case, and the book doesn’t explore those nuanced situations. Any stories from these model “encouraging the heart” companies about letting people go? I’m sure it happens.

[Alexa Bdj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually don’t read self help books because I consider them very boring. I made an exception with this one because someone I know had to read it for work and I got curious. It’s a fast read, I finished it in a day.
The subject of the book is about not being a boss, but rather a leader. It highlights the importance of having positive and healthy relationships in order to make the working environment more productive and more energised by leading through example, recognising a job well done and rewarding employees. It explains how encouragement boosts performance. A lot of blah blah blah.
The only interesting part of the book were the questions and some detailed examples from successful CEOs.

[Dimitri · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)

A book at the heart off leadership.

👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)

Leadership is everyones bussines

⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)

7 essentials:
1. Set clear standards: Allign with purpose.
2. Expect the Best: Believe in others’ potential.
3. Pay Attention: Notice and acknowledge people’s efforts.
4. Personalize Recognition: Make it meaningful by connecting it to personal values or achievements.
5. Tell the Story: Share examples that highlight values in action.
6. Celebrate Together: Create shared moments of joy and achievement.
7. Set the Example: Be authentic and consistent in your encouragement.

[MatticusTheMad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Finally being able to see different aspects of proper leadership, with real-world applications. Everyone needs/deserves encouragement from anyone that we may look up to, or from our managers and bosses. A boss that does not provide you encouragement really takes the joy out of your career and can make going to work feel even more of a chore than it already is.

As I continue to grow in my role as a father and a leader within my organization, I will be able to apply the things that I learned in this book. If you ever feel like you're struggling with being able to say the right thing when leading, this book can at least give you some input on how you might improve.

[Cathy Konopa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Kouzes and Posner's book "The Leadership Challenge," encouraging the heart was one of five exemplary leadership practices. This one is all about motivating and recognizing employees--the heartfelt part of leadership. If you've already read "The Leadership Challenge," you probably don't need to read this one--unless you're not sold on leading with heart or really struggle with it and want to get better. For everyone else, there's Pinterest or a couple of books they reference: "1001 Ways to Energize Employees" or "301 Ways to Have Fun at Work."

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but definitely focused on a leader aware of their employees. The leaders that need this book will very likely not read it. It has plenty of lists and clear examples of ways to recognize employees.

Unfortunately, it tends to focus on recognition examples of people that want to be recognized publicly. Would benefit from including examples of how introverts or silent doers can best be encouraged.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for work, but I really enjoyed it. I was able to see things that I do well, and see ideas for how I can improve in certain areas. It was almost maddening at times, realizing I was trying to implement many of these things at my previous job but my upper management shut me down. Looks like I was on the right track after all!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book has a simple concept, it's a good reminder. Lead with your heart, recognize others, know your team personally. Business is personal is one of my company's sayings and this book reinforces that. It's a good reminder in a world where we get wrapped up in delivery and deadlines.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are better leadership books out there, but this does encourage reflection and thought.

[Kristine Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for managers and leaders.

[Robbie Joerger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly a lot of this boils down to don't be self centered.

[Sharonda A Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This transformed my leadership style. I encourage managers and supervisors to check this out to get a new view on professional management styles.

[carlos medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embrace the good

Informative read with many morsels of useful social knowlege. Worth the read for anyone who likes to improve their social skills at work or home. 😀

[Stephen David Munley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It probably would have been better if I saw it instead of listened to it. Also, I think it would have been better as articles, but the stories were fun to listen to.

[Ali Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes and liked the idea of learning more about the “soft” leadership skills but boy was she dry.

[Amy Kliewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was gifted this book! An encouraging insightful read that gives very practical tools for creating a positive warm work environment

[Maci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good nuggets to put into action to become and stay a great leader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but important reminders and how-tos regarding encouragement. Honey, after all, catches the flys.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not comprehensive, and even though I didn't much care for the presentation, I think that the information presented is valuable.

To answer other reviewers that there is a lot more to leadership than what is presented here, that is obviously true. We need to remember that this is a single volume based on one of five requirements for successful leadership that is presented in a separate volume called "The Leadership Challenge." This book contains the fifth and arguably the least understood component of their strategy, thereby explaining the need for a solo volume.

I am not warm and fuzzy, and I will never be excitable and outgoing as an extrovert leader tends to be. I am frankly offended that they state in this book that no one will follow you if you do not show you are passionate about your job. However, the research cited is correct that people respond to those who show an individual, personal connection with them. Limited to be sure, but real. This is why mass mailings try to make their stuff seem individualized, why politicians go "stumping" still, and why some companies only use individual invites to their parties instead of face book posts or mass emails.

If you are failing as a leader, or even not performing the way you think you should, I imagine this book will give you an idea or two to help. It was worth the read.


Update: August 5th, 2019

When I wrote the above review, I was in the process of applying for an advanced leadership training offered through my employer. The previous year, I was coaxed to apply and failed to be accepted. A coach for the training called me to explain why I was not accepted, and he spent 45 min on the phone with me, remarkably, in order to give me feedback and direction should I wish to apply again. I didn't.

However, I again applied - so that when I was again passed over I could say, "I told you so," to the people prompting me to apply - and this book was the primary resource that was recommended to me for improving my application. I read it with the above impression, and in January, 2018, I found myself in the leadership training.

The year-long training took 12 hrs of onsite training for each of the 5 categories of behavior. There was one offsite contact with the coaching staff to identify how our application of the training was manifesting in our developed projects, which turned out to be the testing ground for our practice of the behaviors. I committed myself to fully and sincerely invest in the training, so that I would reserve judgement about the many flaws I saw in the approach.

It blew my mind . . .

I am completely invested in a version of the leadership perspectives that I actually do feel passionate about, I actually can sustain through the pitfalls guaranteed to beset us, and actively encourage other people in the same ways I was encouraged during the training. It only works because I took the SIGNIFICANT time and effort to seek out the unique way that only I can do this job.

Encouraging the heart is a key component that is sorely misunderstood in the naked, context-less pill that this book makes you swallow. I still hate how it is written, but the substantially research based "The Leadership Challenge" combines the universal need of perspective among those who influence their peers. The above addition provides a significant amount of practical guidance if, like me, you need a nudge in that direction.

Read on my friends! Ta!

P.S. The internet is not the source of or a testing ground for your identity. It is a magnificent way to share information. If anything posted in the comments appears to be doing the above, I will not even read it, let alone respond to it.

[Susan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when I first started out as an instructional coach. They were not very many coaching books at the time, so our relied on other books about building relationships and leadership.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Kouzes and Pozner are right. The fifth leadership practice can be tough. In this quick read, they enunciate seven "essentials" of encouraging the heart. Each essential is described using some external research as to its importance. Then examples are given. The book concludes with 150 methods for encouraging the heart. I've currently got popcorn and notecards in my office with a list of 12 other "to dos". Really helpful practical ideas. This is quickly becoming a favorite in my Leadership Best Sellers course.

[Melissa McDonald]

Leadership authorities James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner say employees perform best when their contributions are genuinely appreciated. Unfortunately, the two contend, most executives have not mastered the decidedly soft-management skill of "encouragement" that fosters such behavior. In Encouraging the Heart, they examine how this type of compassionate supervision is becoming a critical part of successful management today, and through example and suggestion they describe how readers can establish the process in their own businesses.

[Kendall Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK book. Kind of a different approach to leadership. Like any book that takes a unique angle as its title the writers, I think, spent too much time and effort defending their thesis. Agree that encouraging the people you lead is important but it is just one of many tools that can and should be put into play to effectively encourage people to success.