Leadership Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations, The

Journal of Physical Therapy Education, Fall 2003 by Wilcox, Kim Curbow

Kauzes JM, Posner BZ. The Leadership Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations. San Francisco, Calif, Jossey-Bass Inc Publishers, 1995, paper, 403 pp. $25.

In times of continuous organizational changes and uncertain futures, leaders constantly face challenges. The most effective leaders have learned to convert the challenges into opportunities and successes. Based on more than 60,000 surveys completed by organizational leaders, employees, and constituents, Kouzes and Posner developed 5 fundamental practices of exemplary leaders. The 5 practices of exemplary leadership are: (1) challenging the process, (2) inspiring a shared vision, (3) enabling others to act, (4) modeling the way, and (5) encouraging the heart. The book discusses each of the 5 practices in detail in separate sections of the book.

In general, an exemplary leader who challenges the process is willing to take risks in order to change and improve the organization. A forward thinker, this type of leader continuously analyzes the organization and the environment and initiates innovative changes to place the organization ahead of the competition and better serve its constituents. In inspiring a shared vision, the exemplary leader motivates others to participate in his or her vision and work toward common goals. Through collaboration with others, the leader develops trusting relationships and empowers others to make decisions, thus enabling them to act. The exemplary leader models the way by setting the example for acceptable behaviors, including ethical behaviors. Finally, the exemplary leader encourages the heart by providing public and private recognition of individual and team accomplishments. Kouzes and Posner provide practical information and examples of how organizational leaders implement and successfully use the 5 practices of exemplary leadership.

The Leadership Challenge was written as a commentary on characteristics and practices of effective leaders rather than as a textbook. Kouzes and Posner, nationally recognized experts in leadership practices, base the information in the book on their own extensive research and supplement their findings with "real-world" examples of successful leaders. The book, which is easy to read and understand, flows well and encourages thoughtful insight. Although this book was written from the perspective of the business environment, the information may be easily adapted to educational and health care environments, both academic and clinical. Administrators and faculty of educational programs may benefit from incorporating the fundamental practices of exemplary leaders into their management styles. Additionally, this book would be an excellent addition to a basic management course for entry-level professional (entry-level) or advanced-level students.

Kim Curbow Wilcox, PT, PhD, NCS

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, Miss