Exemplary Leadership: Select One Of The Principles Chapters ✓ Solved
Exemplary Leadershipselectoneof The Principles Chapters From The Kou
Identify one of the principles from the Kouzes and Posner text and write a three-page paper that describes the selected principle. Discuss why it is important, include a relevant passage from the text to reinforce your description, and provide a Bible verse or quote that supports its value. Explain how you, as a leader, will implement this principle in your daily life, and describe how modeling this principle can positively impact individuals and organizations. Address potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them. Identify a respected leader in your life who can mentor you in developing this leadership trait, with specific ways they can assist your growth.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Leadership is fundamentally about influence and integrity, serving as the cornerstone for building credibility and inspiring others toward a common vision. Among the principles articulated by Kouzes and Posner, "Model the Way" stands out as a critical starting point for developing exemplary leadership. This principle emphasizes the importance of authentic actions aligning with personal and shared values, fostering trust, and creating a foundation of credibility that enables effective leadership.
"Model the Way," as described by Kouzes and Posner, involves self-awareness, commitment to core values, and demonstrating consistency between words and actions. The authors state, "Leaders stand up for their beliefs. They practice what they preach. They show others by their actions that they live by the values they profess" (Kouzes & Posner, 2017, p. 65). This passage underscores that leadership begins inwardly—by discovering personal principles—and outwardly—by exemplifying those principles daily. Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect, encouraging followers to emulate such integrity.
The biblical verse, Proverbs 11:3 ("The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity"), reinforces the significance of consistent values and behaviors. This verse aligns with the principle of modeling the way, illustrating that integrity guides true leadership and sustains influence. Incorporating biblical values alongside the Kouzes and Posner framework can deepen the moral foundation of one's leadership ethos.
In practice, I intend to embody this principle by identifying my core values, such as honesty, humility, and service, and ensuring that my actions reflect these consistently. For example, if I emphasize the importance of accountability, I will hold myself to high standards and admit mistakes openly. By modeling transparency and authenticity, I can foster a culture of trust within my team and organization. When leaders act in accordance with shared values, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a cohesive and motivated environment.
The impact of modeling the way extends beyond individual credibility; it shapes organizational culture. When leaders demonstrate commitment to principles, it encourages similar behavior throughout the organization, leading to increased morale, ethical behavior, and collective purpose. Conversely, failure to align actions with words can breed cynicism and erode trust.
Obstacles to implementing this principle include complacency, fear of vulnerability, and the temptation to prioritize short-term results over integrity. Overcoming these challenges requires deliberate effort, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth. Regularly revisiting personal values, seeking feedback, and maintaining accountability partnerships can reinforce the consistency necessary for authentic leadership.
In my personal leadership journey, I am fortunate to have a mentor—Mrs. Jane Smith—a seasoned leader in my community known for her unwavering integrity and servant leadership. She exemplifies the principle of modeling the way through her transparent decision-making and genuine concern for others. Mrs. Smith can mentor me by providing candid feedback, sharing experiences about ethical dilemmas, and guiding me in aligning my actions with my values. Her example encourages me to lead with authenticity and conviction, reinforcing that leadership is as much about character as it is about competence.
In conclusion, "Model the Way" is a fundamental principle for cultivating credibility and inspiring trust. By discovering, embracing, and exemplifying core values, leaders can positively influence individuals and organizational culture. Committing to authenticity, learning from mentors, and overcoming obstacles through self-awareness are essential steps in becoming an exemplary leader who leads with integrity and moral purpose.
References
- Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (6th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
- Bible. Proverbs 11:3. New International Version.
- Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
- Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
- Colbeck, C., & Campbell, E. (2018). Ethical Leadership: A Review and Future Directions. Leadership Quarterly, 29(2), 308–319.
- Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.
- Cambridge Dictionary. (2020). Leadership. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/leadership
- Robinson, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior (17th ed.). Pearson.
- Sosik, J. J., & Godshalk, V. M. (2000). Leadership Styles, Mentor Relationships, and Career Outcomes. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 21(4), 365–390.
- Antonakis, J., & House, R. J. (2014). Instrumental Leadership: Measurement and Extension of Transformational–Transactional Leadership Theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(4), 746-771.