James M. Kouzes Books

Getting things done in today’s workplace is hard work. Employees become exhausted, frustrated, and sometimes entirely disenchanted–and often, they are tempted to simply give up. But the research conducted by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner over the last two decades clearly shows that successful leaders find ways to combat these negative feelings by encouraging the hearts of their team members. This workbook, based on the model presented in the bestselling book Encouraging the Heart, guides readers through seven essentials of encouraging the heart: set clear standards, expect the best, pay attention, personalize recognition, tell the story, celebrate together, and set the example. The authors also provide a 21-question self-assessment to help leaders determine how they are doing and where they should focus their development efforts.

Tackle everyday leadership challenges regardless of your title, position, or authority with this insightful resource. Designed for those not in formal leadership roles, this book offers a practical approach to addressing leadership challenges in any setting. Esteemed scholars and consultants Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner adapt their Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® framework for today's horizontal workplace, emphasizing that leadership is defined by behavior and actions rather than hierarchy. The authors draw on extensive research and practical experience to explore key themes: making a difference in any role, distinguishing between authority and leadership, and the significance of self-development in leadership growth. This resource is accessible for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership potential without holding an official title. It provides authoritative insights, original case studies, and practical guidance for those eager to make an impact. You supply the will, and this book will supply the way.

Completely revised and updated I not only enjoyed it...I found myself constantly nodding and saying to myself, 'That's right! That's how it's done! That's what it feels like!' You certainly captured the essence of what I've found is at the heart of transforming leadership. -- Robert D. Haas, chairman and CEO, Levi Strauss & Co. The leadership book that outshines them all, updated for today's new business realities. With an expanded research base of 60,000 leaders, this second edition captures the continuing interest in leadership as a critical aspect of human organizations. It offers a broader scope of leaders in every industry and walk of life, including the education and nonprofit fields, and examines the era's hottest issues -- the new cynicism, the electronic global village, evolving employee-employer relationships -- in keeping pace with our ever-changing world. The classic five-point guide to better leadership, however, remains as useful as ever.

The book presents a practical framework for individuals at all levels to take charge of their leadership development and reach their full potential. Kouzes and Posner assert that everyone has the inherent capacity to lead and provide actionable steps and coaching tips to harness this ability. Backed by over 30 years of research from more than seventy countries, the authors emphasize the urgent need for exemplary leaders to foster high-performing workplaces and enhance self-worth. Despite the existing potential, a global shortage of leaders persists, attributed to myths surrounding talent, strengths, and effort that prevent many from realizing their capabilities. The text offers evidence-based strategies to cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and effective leadership. Emerging leaders, coaches, trainers, and HR professionals will benefit from real-world examples and stories that illustrate the fundamentals of leadership. The content is organized into concise chapters that encourage daily actions, making it accessible for readers seeking to improve their leadership skills.

"Leadership is personal. It's not about the corporation, the community, or the country. It's about you. If people don't believe in the messenger, they won't believe the message. If people don't believe in you, they won't believe in what you say. And if it's about you, then it's about your beliefs, your values, your principles."-- from CredibilityIn this best-selling book, Kouzes and Posner (authors of The Leadership Challenge), explain why leadership is above all a relationship, with credibility as the cornerstone. They provide rich examples of real managers in action and reveal the six key disciplines and related practices that strengthen a leader's capacity for developing and sustaining credibility. Kouzes and Posner show how leaders can encourage greater initiative, risk-taking, and productivity by demonstrating trust in employees and resolving conflicts on the basis of principles, not positions.

Based on Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner's classic book The Leadership Challenge, this Workbook will be your hands-on guide for improving your ability to put into action the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® model and become a leader who Models the Way, Inspires a Shared Vision, Challenges the Process, Enables Others to Act, and Encourages the Heart. The Workbook's easy-to-use worksheets make efficient planning simple and practical and supports your success in three ways: Reflection: Think about your approach to leadership and become more conscious about how well you engage in each of the Practices. Application: Apply the Practices and commitments to all your projects. Implications: Record what you've learned about yourself, your team, your organization, and your project. Develop your leadership potential with The Leadership Challenge Workbook!

A fresh look at what it means to lead from two of the biggest names in leadership In these turbulent times, when the very foundations of organizations and societies are shaken, leaders need to move beyond pessimistic predictions, trendy fads, and simplistic solutions. They need to turn to what's real and what's proven.

All too often, simple acts of human kindness are often overlooked and under utilized 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. Recognized experts in the field of leadership, authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner show us that, through love, leaders can encourage, and indeed allow those around them to be their very best. Both practical and inspirational, Encouraging the Heart gives readers a thoughtful approach to motivating individuals within an organizational structure. Read Chapter 3 or Chapter 12, or see The Encouragement Index.