Making Extraordinary Things Happen in Asia showcases how The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership formulated from research conducted by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner are being applied by Asian executives to transform how people work to generate great results. Real-life stories are shared about personal leadership practices from senior managers, many enrolled in the Executive MBA program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The emphasis is on how leaders set inspiring examples through their own behaviors and relationships with colleagues, employees, team members, and other constituents. The five exemplary practices are modeling the way with clear values, inspiring others with a shared vision, continually challenging existing processes to discover new opportunities, empowering others to act, and encouraging the heart through genuine appreciation of the work of others.
The authors inform readers that:
- Each individual can be a leader and make a difference by modeling exemplary behavior based on values and developing strong relationships with constituents within an organization in order to make things happen.
- Leadership can be learned because it manifests as an observable pattern of practices and behaviors and a definite set of skills and abilities.
- The five practices of exemplary leadership are modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging existing processes, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart.
- Lead by the example of exemplary behaviors to show deep commitment to shared values.
- Commitment from others cannot be forced through command but must come from inspiring others to enlist in a common vision.
- Exemplary leaders search for opportunities to innovate, grow, and improve; they continually learn from failures and successes.
- Leaders must foster collaboration and build trust by strengthening others. When people have the information, discretion, and authority to make extraordinary things happen, they will.
- Exemplary leaders demonstrate genuine appreciation for individual excellence and seek to create a culture that celebrates values and victories.
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Related book summaries in the BBS library: The New Asian Hemisphere, China’s Management Revolution, China Versus the West
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