The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (J-B Leadership Challenge: Kouzes/Posner)

by James M. Kouzes

While clarifying your values is essential, understanding the values of others and building alignment around values that everyone can share is equally critical.

To get others excited about your dream, you need to speak about meaning and purpose. You have to show them how to realize their dreams.

It’s not necessary to be a charismatic person to inspire a shared vision. You have to believe, and you have to develop the skills to transmit your belief.

Constituents look for leaders who demonstrate an enthusiastic, genuine belief in the capacity of others, who strengthen people’s will, who supply the means to achieve, and who express optimism for the future.

Introverted individuals like Patrick and myself can be effective leaders. All that you need are conviction, sincerity, and passion.”

S. Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (New York: Broadway Books, 2013).

Leaders appeal to common ideals. They connect others to what is most meaningful in the shared vision.