“The Truth About Leadership: The No-Fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need to Know” (2010) by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner is a short, easy-to-read collection of “fundamental principles that inform and support the practice of leadership,” based on the “Leadership Practices Inventory,” a learning assessment tool used in 70+ countries.
Based on the idea is that leadership can be learned, Kouzes and Posner identify 10 fundamental truths about leadership:
- You make a difference. Leadership starts by looking inward, taking the first step, and becoming a role model for others. “It’s about what you do.” If you manage others, you have a big impact on their commitment to the company, productivity, and job satisfaction.
- Credibility is the foundation of leadership. Leadership continues only if other people also believe in you. You must be honest, forward-looking, inspiring, and competent. The key is to align your actions and words (do what you say you will do).
- Values drive commitment. Clarity about personal values has the most significant impact on employees’ feelings about their work. Before you can effectively lead others, you have to understand who you are and what you believe in. Leaders gain consensus on common values and a common cause.
- Focusing on the future sets leaders apart. Look beyond what’s in front of you and imagine possibilities. Remind people that there is a larger purpose. Remain optimistic about what is yet to come.
- You can’t do it alone. Leadership is about the relationship between leaders and their constituents. You have to make a human connection and inspire a shared vision. It is critical to build a team of people who feel powerful and capable of taking action.
- Trust rules (no, this doesn’t mean put your trust in rules). High trust leads to greater influence on group members, greater cooperation, enhanced information flow, and increased willingness to become better group members. People won’t take risks unless they feel safe. The more people trust, the more they’ll risk. Leaders are the first to trust. You can build trust by behaving predictably and consistently, communicating clearly, treating promises seriously, and being forthright and candid.
- Challenge is the crucible for greatness. Leadership is about guiding people through uncertainty and change; or in complacent times, about actively disrupting the status quo to pursue new opportunities. People with grit (perseverance and passion) are more likely to achieve positive outcomes and see failure as learning.
- You either lead by example or you don’t lead at all. People are always watching, and your actions have to be consistent with your words. Take responsibility for your mistakes and accept feedback.
- The best leaders are the best learners. Leadership can be learned and the capacity for learning begins with a growth mindset – the belief that we can become better leaders. It requires deliberate practice and a supportive environment, with five elements of learning: it is designed specifically to improve performance; it has to be repeated a lot; feedback on results must be continually available; it is highly demanding mentally; it isn’t all that much fun).
- Leadership is an affair of the heart. The highest performing managers and learners are the most open and caring. Show people you care by paying attention to them. Fall in love with the work you are doing and the purpose you are serving. Positive leadership breeds positive emotions.
What kind of leader are you? What leadership skills can you put into practice today?