Learning Leadership

Well-written and thoughtful, this book should prove useful to coaches looking to develop potential within their organisations and their client companies. (The Irish Times, May 2016) This book contains a wealth of useful and unarguable insights about the nature of leadership (Financial Times, June 2016) This book offers a framework to help individuals of all levels, functions and backgrounds take charge of their own leadership development and become the best leaders they can (HR Magazine, June 2016) A comprehensive guide to taking charge. Based on more than three decades of research, this pep talk shows how anyone can become a better leader through practical tips. (Cara Magazine, August 2016)

JAMES M. KOUZES is the Dean's Executive Fellow of Leadership at the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, and lectures on leadership around the world to corporations, governments, and nonprofits. BARRY Z. POSNER is the Accolti Endowed Professor of Leadership at the Leavey School of Business. An accomplished scholar, he also provides leadership workshops and seminars around the world.

Introduction The World Needs Exemplary Leaders xv Part I Learning Leadership Fundamentals 1 Chapter 1 Leaders are Born and So Are You 3 Chapter 2 Leadership Makes a Difference 13 Chapter 3 You Are Already LeadingJust Not Frequently Enough 23 Part II Fundamental One: Believe You Can 33 Chapter 4 You Have to Believe in Yourself 35 Chapter 5 Learning Is the Master Skill 45 Chapter 6 Leadership Emerges from Within 55 Part III Fundamental Two: Aspire to Excel 65 Chapter 7 You Have to Know Whats Important to You 67 Chapter 8 Who You Are Isnt Who You Will Be 77 Chapter 9 Its Not Just About You 87 Part IV Fundamental Three: Challenge Yourself 97 Chapter 10 Challenge Is Your Leadership Training Ground 99 Chapter 11 Get Curious and Go Kick the Ball Around 109 Chapter 12 Get Gritty and Stay Hardy 119 Chapter 13 Courage Gives You the Strength to Grow 129 Part V Fundamental Four: Engage Support 139 Chapter 14 I Couldnt Have Done It without You 141 Chapter 15 Get Connected 151 Chapter 16 Without Feedback You Cannot Grow 159 Part VI Fundamental Five: Practice Deliberately 169 Chapter 17 Leadership Takes Practice, and Practice Takes Time 171 Chapter 18 Context Matters 181 Chapter 19 Learning Leadership Must Be a Daily Habit 191 Part VII Commit to Becoming the Best 201 Chapter 20 Its Not How You Start; Its How You Finish 203 Notes 213 Acknowledgments 236 About the Authors 239 Index 244