#🌱 #🟠 # Practices of exemplary leadership enact four principles of heroic leadership ![[calendar-plus.svg]] <small>Nov 03, 2022</small> | ![[calendar-clock.svg]] <small>Jan 03, 2023</small> 🏷️ [[Leadership MOC]] I noticed that Kouzes' & Posner's (2017) five practices of exemplary leadership align with, and help make actionable, Chris Lowney's (2003) four principles of heroic leadership. Modeling the way (Kouzes & Posner, 2017) is clear way to practice Lowney's (2003) principle of self-awareness.They identify clarifying your own values, affirming shared values and setting an example as the behaviors through which a leader should model the way (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). The second practice of inspiring a shared vision (Kouzes & Posner, 2017) aligns perfectly with Lowney's (2003) principle of heroism and "eliciting great desires" (p.4). Both Kouzes & Posner and Lowney emphasize that it is not enough for the leader to have a personal vision, it must be shared. Kouzes' & Posner's (2017) next practice is challenging the process, which is a perfect embodiment of Lowney's (2003) principle of ingenuity. Kouzes' & Posner's description of leaders as "pioneers willing to step out into the unknown" (p.16) conjures the Jesuit ideal of "living with one foot raised" (Lowney, 2003, p. 2). I'd argue that the third practice of enabling others to act (Kouzes & Posner, 2017) embraces both the principles of heroism and love (Lowney, 2003). In his examination of the principle of heroism, Lowney (2003) explains that the Jesuits "looked to enlist a total team effort in something that was larger than any one Jesuit. Yet team commitment followed individual commitment" (p. 5). In other words, to engage others in a shared vision it's important to help them increase self-determination and develop competence (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). And the principle of love (Lowney, 2003) is how leaders build trust and facilitate relationships that foster collaboration (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Kouzes' & Posner's (2017) last practice of encouraging the heart is an obvious embodiment of the principle of love (Lowney, 2003). Lowney's description of Francis Xavier drawing energy from scraps of paper bearing the signatures of his colleagues because they reminded him of the love they [his colleagues] showed him is a beautiful example of acts of caring (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Doing a quick scan to assess how I well, or frequently, I perform the five practices of exemplary leadership I'd say I'm most adept at inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act and encouraging the heart. I also feel very strong in modeling the way, although I have room to improve in clarifying my values to find my own voice. The practice I feel least praticed in is challenging the process. I am very comfortable with listening and looking outward for new ideas, but struggle with how to create a climate for experimentation and taking risks. Especially in the healthcare industry, which is generally risk averse used to doing things a certain way. ## Sources [[The Leadership Challenge - Kouzes & Posner 2017]] [[Chris Lowney - Heroic Leadership]]