MAKING IT HAPPEN1
Text Critique of
KouzesPosner’s
The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations
Deborah Davis
Liberty University Online
EDUC 741: Theories of Educational Leadership
Dr. Ellen Black
December 16-21, 2013
Abstract
This document will provide a brief overview/summary of the text authors’ key points – that is to say the five things required of leaders. That information will be followed by a response from this author regarding the personal leadership view reflected therein. Application as an educational leader will conclude this document.
The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations
A Brief Summary
According to Kouzes and Posner (2012), leadership requires five things of the leaders: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart (p. 15). These elements have not changed in the 30 years of study these authors have spent in this field. Credibility is foundational to all else. These five elements set the basis for the remainder of the text, providing detailed insights into each requirement, and showcasing successful models throughout. Of all the details, of all the examples, of all the well-researched and documented work, the entirety of the text is summed up in the last two sentences, “Leadership is not an affair of the head. Leadership is an affair of the heart” (Kouzes & Posner, 2012, p. 345).
To “set the example by aligning actions with shared values” provides a definition for modeling the way (Kouzes & Posner, 2012, p. 17). By “imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities” and enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations” one captures the truth of what it means to inspire a vision (p. 18). “Innovative ways to improve” are what will challenge the process (p. 20). While it is necessary to “strengthen others by increasing self-determination and developing competence” to enable others to act (p. 22). “Celebrating values and victories” to encourage the heart (p. 24).
The five practices are expanded into “ten commitments of exemplary leadership” (Kouzes & Posner, 2012, p. 29). These are then expanded into individual chapters citing corporate examples. In a companion text, Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner, 2004), each of the five practices are related to Biblical principles by a well-known and highly accredited leader within the Christian community. John Maxwell, Ken Blanchard, and others provide Biblical insights into leadership within the realms of the practices and various sub-points to allow for further reflections. Each part of that text then has a section of “Questions for Reflection” to allow for an individual study of the Leadership Challenge. Combined, the two texts allow for a powerful and Biblical Leadership Challenge.
A Personal Response
In twenty years of Marine Corps training, I learned leadership as a two stage process: Mission First, Troops Always. Certainly, through the years, the message was recycled in a variety of ways, but it always grounded out to those two elements. Each Marine is expected to be a leader in the position he or she holds. All Marines are expected to step up to the next level of leadership as needed to accomplish the mission. Those who don’t, get out of the Corps. They are not needed or wanted. It may seem cold, but this is a leadership environment on which lives depend. Some see only the lives on the battlefield, but in reality, the United States Marine Corps has over 200 years of fighting for the lives and lifestyles of the people safe in their homes.
Kouzes and Posner present the same two elements in their five requirements. To be a leader, the leader must act like a leader. That deliberately poorly phrased redundancy is to emphasize that leadership, while innate, is also a learned skill, and sometimes merely an act. In putting the focus on the mission at hand, what we termed Commander’s Intent was the sharing of the vision that Kouzes and Posner describe. Pushing for improvement; better and faster ways of meeting mission essential obligations would relate directly to challenging the process. Each Marine is, was, and always will be responsible to train the next Marine, and in doing so will enable others to act accordingly. As for encouraging the heart, there is nothing like knowing that the weight of the nation believes in what you do to help you step out in faith. Kouzes and Posner may spend 345 pages explaining the five requirements of leadership, but it was drilled into my head, heart, and being as Mission First: Troops Always!
Application as an Educational Leader
As an educational leader, the five requirements meld well. An educational leader has gained advanced degrees and implemented the knowledge gained into the manner of leadership, or model the way. Inspire a shared vision by letting those within one’s charge know the requirements, the opportunities, and the methods of facing growth and change. To challenge the process, be open to change, aid up and coming staff with new ideas and opportunities; seek and embrace those uncomfortable things that may work out for the best. Many leaders struggle with enablingothers to act, but without giving them the chance to spread their wings, they will never know just how far they can fly. Probably most important is to encourage the heart; after all, leadership is a love affair. If the person in charge does not love being in charge, love the chance to lead and grow, love the field in which to spread, then that person does not belong in leadership.
As a Christian Educator, there is the ultimate leadership of GOD himself to follow. While none of us can reach the perfection of Christ, we can use Him as our model. The Bible provides a shared vision, letting us know what and how to do what He asks of us. Trusting in the Lord allows for a step of faith and for courage to seek new ways to meet new challenges. Part of enabling others is to provide them mercy and grace if they fail. We all learn more through our failures than our successes, and if GOD can forgive us, then surely we can forgive those following us as we trip and fall through the path of our own lives and leadership.
References
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2004). Christian reflections on the leadership challenge. (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The Leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organizations. (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass