Leadership Challenge - Book Report/Review Example

Kouzes and Posner observed that the fundamental competencies of leadership never experience great change despite the fact that the context of leadership has changed drastically. In this paper, we will look at the leadership competencies as discussed in this revised edition and critically examine the relevance of the competences for leading modern organizations. Additionally we will examine the role of challenges in shaping leadership style .Finally the examples of leadership challenges as discussed by Kouzes and posner will be given.

Discussion When leaders understand that leadership is a relationship and thus start engaging in the five practices of exemplary leadership, then the leadership role is found to run smoothly. The following are some relevant leadership competencies as discussed by Kouzes and posner, model the way, shared vision inspiration, process challenging, promoting an enabling environment, and encouraging others. Model the way as a leadership competence requires the chair to set quality values and let them known to the subordinate staff.

He should be careful on how he sets the rules to ensure that they do not violate people’s rights. The values should be clear, convenient and understandable b y the all staff. Additionally, a leader should inspire and have common vision or goal. This means you should believe in exciting and attractive future for the organization. The practices you bring fourth in the institution should be for positive impacts of the organization. Additionally the one in authority are encouraged to overcome any current changes.

They should be ready for change and overcome any status that challenges them. They should search for opportunities that bring strength and competitiveness to the organization. To overcome challenge leaders should be product oriented and risk takers. Kouzes and posner also observed that leaders should enable others to act. This would be don e through motivating them and ensuring bottom up approach in decision-making. There should be group collaboration and individual accountability. As a leader, encourage other to develop leadership skills and never seat on power but give it away.

A leader should have an encouraging heart and should never look down on his subordinate staff .Always encourage them and appreciate for every good work they do. Motivate them and always do promotion based on qualifications and achievements of an employee (Performance appraisal). Because of different challenges - both internal and external - it is advisable for the ones in authority to apply the various leadership competencies as discussed by Posner and Kouzes. For example, a leader is advised to inspire and enable others to act owing to the fact that as authority gives individual opportunity to show the best of what they are, it also shows their limitations.

In the modern organisations different individuals with varied socialization are present and thus it is relevant for leader to put into practice the various leadership competencies to encourage team building .Observation has been made that it is often great challenge for people in leadership, to accept their characteristics which limit their working to achieve goals. As a leader, it is right to accept the reality of that trait and ensure they do not interfere with both your responsibility and working of your juniors, (Kouzes & Posner, 2008).

This will motivate them resulting to good organisational performance. As a leader, never