The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®

Model the Way

Modeling the way is about the kind of example you set for others as a leader. To effectively Model the Way, you first need to get in touch with who you are: what you believe in, how you communicate, and how your values inform your behaviors.

Examples of Modeling the Way:
  • Set a personal example of what you expect of others
  • Build consensus around a common set of values
  • Ask for feedback on how their actions affect other people's performance
  • Make sure everyone follows the agreed-upon principles and standards
  • Follow through on promises and commitments they make
  • Have a clear philosophy of leadership
Inspire a Shared Vision

Being a leader means charting a course into an unknown future and inspiring others to come with you. When you Inspire a Shared Vision, you know where you want to end up, and you’re prepared to paint a vivid picture for the people in your life. By starting conversations about the future, you make it possible for others to do the same.

Examples of Inspiring a Shared Vision:
  • Talk about future trends that will influence how work gets done
  • Describe a compelling image of what the future could be like
  • Appeal to others to share an exciting dream of the future
  • Show others how their long-term interests can be realized with a common vision
  • Paint the "big picture" of what they aspire to accomplish
  • Speak with genuine conviction about the higher meaning and purpose of their work
Challenge the Process

Learning how to Challenge the Process means stepping back, questioning the status quo, and seeking out ways to improve the way you work. Think about what it means to take initiative, push for change, and learn from your struggles. Considering new ways to approach your work can benefit not only your organization but also your own path to exemplary leadership.

Examples of Challenging the Process:
  • Challenge people to try out new and innovative ways to do their work
  • Actively search for innovative ways to improve what they do
  • Ask "what can we learn?" when things don't go as expected
  • Identify measurable milestones that keep projects moving forward
  • Take initiative in anticipating and responding to change.
Enable Others to Act

When you Enable Others to Act, it means strengthening your relationships with teammates and reflecting on what they need to do great work. This practice asks you to put effort into empowering others to create a work environment where people trust and respect each other. Think about how you can help the people you work with gain the confidence to excel, making your whole team stronger.

Examples of Enabling Others to Act:
  • Develop cooperative relationships among the people they work with
  • Actively listen to diverse points of view
  • Treat others with dignity and respect
  • Involve people in the decisions that directly impact their job performance
  • Give people a great deal of freedom in deciding how to do their work
  • Ensure that people grow in their jobs by learning new skills and developing themselves
Encourage the Heart

When you Encourage the Heart, it means telling your teammates how much you value and respect them—and by doing so, creating a workplace that people are genuinely excited to be a part of. This practice asks you to let people know you appreciate their hard work and are glad to have them on your team.

Examples of Encouraging the Heart:
  • Praise people for a job well done
  • Make it a point to let people know about their confidence in their abilities
  • Creatively recognize people for their contributions to the success of a project
  • Publicly recognize people who exemplify a commitment to shared values
  • Tell stories of encouragement about the good works of others
  • Get personally involved in recognizing people and celebrating accomplishments