Leadership Is about Behavior
Leadership is not about personality. It’s about behavior – an observable set of skills and abilities. When we first set out to discover what great leaders actually do when they are at their personal best, we collected thousands of stories from ordinary people about their peak leadership experiences.
Despite differences in culture, gender, age, and other variables, these “Personal Best” stories revealed similar patterns of behavior. In fact, we discovered that when leaders are at their personal best there are five core practices common to all: they Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and last but certainly not least, they Encourage the Heart.
About the Model
The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® model continues to prove its effectiveness as a clear, evidence-based path to achieving the extraordinary for individuals, teams, organizations, and communities. It turns the abstract concept of leadership into easy-to-grasp practices and behaviors that can be taught and learned by anyone willing to step up and accept the challenge to lead. The model’s principles are not just theoretical; they are grounded in real-world experiences and validated by rigorous research.
The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), one of the most widely used leadership assessment instruments in the world, has consistently shown that The Five Practices are positively related to leadership effectiveness. Ongoing studies confirm that leaders who frequently demonstrate these behaviors see higher levels of commitment, engagement, and satisfaction among their followers. This evidence underscores the model’s value as a tool for developing leaders who can inspire and drive their teams toward extraordinary achievements.
By adopting The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®, organizations can cultivate leaders who not only meet but exceed expectations, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes that benefit everyone involved. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, these practices provide a roadmap to achieving your personal best and fostering a culture of excellence within your organization.
Check out the Leadership Practices Inventory on HRDQstore, and transform your leaders into exemplary leaders today.
