Fear No Tool! The Leadership Practices Inventory Pt. 2
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Click here to view and download this month’s worksheet(s) to utilize on your own or with a Group and/or Team.
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“The first place to look for leadership is within yourself.”
James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership Challenge, Sixth Edition
The final quarter of 2023 is focused on learning about The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership as defined by authors, researchers, and leadership experts, James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner.
Our objective with the Tool of the Month in 2023 has been to explore the four self-awareness tools we utilize in our coaching practice on a deeper level. The four tools include the DiSC Communication Profile (Q1), the Change Ready Profile (Q2), the CliftonStrengths tool (Q3), and now the Leadership Practices Inventory tool. Our 4th quarter review of the LPI is encompassing the following:
October – The LPI Purpose
November – The LPI Process
December – Implementing LPI Exemplary Leadership Practices
Recently I was gifted a copy of James O’Toole’sCreating The Good Life, Applying Aristotle’s Wisdom To Find Meaning And Happiness.I was struck by Walter Issacson’s foreword as he discussed the merits of reading the book. In his words, the book helps leaders address “what it takes to lead a life that is useful, moral, worthy and spiritually meaningful.”
Issacson encourages the reader to take the first steps to pursuing the ideal of the “good life.” As Aristotle informs us, “Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue,” and that requires "engaging in contemplation." I remain committed to the belief that happiness can be found in being and becoming the most effective version of ourselves, and that effectiveness is rooted in bringing value to the lives of others.
In the Leadership Challenge introduction, Kouzes and Posner encourage leaders to call on everyone to accept the leadership challenge - “The first place to look for leadership is within yourself” (The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership). “Accepting the leadership challenge requires reflection, practice, humility, and taking advantage of every opportunity to make a difference.”
Reflection requires seeking feedback in the form of the perspective of others. As leaders, we encourage you to ‘fear no tool’ and utilize the Leadership Practices Inventory to discover the “answers to the test of what others need from you.”
Leaders simply do not get to decide what other people need or want from them. From a leader’s perspective, not all requests may be valid or have merit, however it is essential to recognize, affirm, empathize/understand, navigate and respond effectively to the stated and unstated needs of others.
First and most important question leaders ask themselves, “what do others need from me” and or “what does the situation I’m in call for?” After choosing the path of reflection and self-discovering, overcoming the initial hesitancy inviting feedback creates, it is helpful to understand the process if a leader is to “fear no tool!”
As outlined in our most recent Tool of the Month, The 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership are:
Modeling the Way – Embodying the characteristics you expect from others
Inspiring a Shared Vision – Casting a dream or a vision of what could be
Challenging the Process – Seeking opportunities to generate improvements
Enabling Others to Act – Empowering others through collective action and effort
Encouraging the Heart- Demonstrating gratitude for people’s contributions and creating a sense of community
The Purpose - aka “the answers to the test”
The report provides clear, accurate data and allows the leader to compare how frequently the leader believes they are meeting the needs of others, with how frequently and effectively the observers perceive the leader meeting their particular needs.
The Questions & Scale
30 Total Questions
6 Questions related to each of the 5 Practices
1 to 10 - Almost Never to Almost Always ranking
Usually takes 15-30 minutes to complete the tool
The Participants
We recommend a minimum of 10-15, with a maximum of 25
Observer categories include: Self, Manager, Direct Reports, Co-worker, Other
A note concerning confidentiality – feedback is completely anonymous and observer information is not and cannot be included in the report.
The Scores
The responses are ranked from most frequent to least frequent practices
The scored results are displayed by each LPI behavior, Statement and associated practice
When any score is + or – 1.5 points (higher or lower) the report indicates the differential
Scores with a differential of 1.5 +/- merit attention and discussion
The Report
A robust, extensive report is provided in numerical and graphical format in alignment with all Observers and their categories
The report also contains a leader ranking in relationship to the general LPI database. It is an extremely insightful and helpful illustration of the Leaders overall perception and effectiveness.
The Debrief/Take Action
The Leader meets with the LPI Administrator for a confidential review of the report
The Leader, the LPI Administrator and the Leader’s Leader/Manager meet for a confidential review of the report
The Leader meets with and works with the appropriate individuals to create a written action and development plan as a result of the findings
The Options
Basic – LPI Electronic Assessment (approximately 4–6 week process)
Intermediate – LPI Electronic Assessment, 360 Assessment with In-person Interviews (approximately 6–10 week process)
Advanced – LPI Electronic Assessment, 360 Assessment with In-person Interviews (10) and (3) In-person Debriefs (approximately 8-12 week process)
The workplace provides a tremendous opportunity for leaders to positively impact and influence the quality of the lives of others. Bravely asking for feedback is a sign of humility, grace and patience with oneself and others. Uncovering and knowing what others need from the leader truly provides the answers to the leadership test. Fear no tool and embrace the leadership challenge, the path to positive impact and influence is never trodden by the faint of heart and takes humility and courage to lead the way.
In December we will wrap up our 2023 Tool exploration and review the final step in taking action by creating an LPI Development Plan rooted in the Ten Commitments of The 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Until then wishing you all the best as you lead, manage and serve others each day!
-LS
This Month’s Worksheet
Click here to view and download this month’s worksheet(s) to utilize on your own or with a Group and/or Team.
Recommended Quarterly Reading
The Leadership Challenge
by James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner
2024
Managing From The Inside Out
Winter 2024
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 6, 13, 20
AM Classes: 8:30-11:30 A.M.
Spring 2024
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12
AM Classes: 8:30-11:30 A.M.
Fall 2024
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13
AM Classes: 8:30-11:30 A.M.
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