The model below is based on research done by James Kouzes and
Barry Posner, authors of the Leadership Challenge. The worksheet
was developed
to assist student groups in creating
an environment where student members feel appreciated, valued, and contributing
members of an effective organization. More information on this model can be found
in their follow up book; Encouraging The Heart, A Leaders Guide to Rewarding & Recognizing
Others.
Leadership Practice |
Description |
Action Items |
| Set Clear Standards (Goals) |
Set standards of excellence - being a member is the goal
but is that the standard of excellence you really want to achieve?
The standards set must make the membership feel like winners
when they obtain them! Link appropriate performance with the
reward. |
Connect performance with rewards. Think about how in martial
arts if you attained a certain level, the color of your belt
changed. Can we develop the same kind of program for what you
are trying to achieve? |
| Expect The Best |
Passionately believing in people and expecting
the best of them-even when they do not believe in themselves
is a prerequisite to commitment. |
Positive images make groups more effective.
When you communicate high expectations of how good a person
can be as a leader, the potential leader may adjust his/her
self-concept & self-expectations to match what others
think. |
| Pay Attention |
Pay attention to people and actively search
for positive examples. Ask questions, be curious. Your behavior
influences others behavior. |
See situations from another's point of view
- something insignificant to you may be a milestone for someone
else. Move from the golden rule to the platinum rule - treat
others the way they want to be treated. Form relationships
- studies have shown we listen more intently to people we
are close to and who we think cares about us. |
| Personalize Recognition |
Thoughtfulness: how much effort you put into
thinking about the other person and what would make the recognition
special for him/her. |
When you choose to recognize someone for
the work they have achieved, make it a one of a kind celebration-
what does the person enjoy? What can I say about him/her
that would show our appreciation as well as motivate others? |
| Tell The Story |
Storytelling is the most basic form of communication-more
prevalent and more powerful than facts & figures. Stories
teach, mobilize, and motivate! |
When people can locate themselves in the
story, their sense of commitment & involvement is enhanced.
Well-told stories reach inside us and pull us along. Stories
make standards come alive - tell stories of your members
who are doing extraordinary things, especially those members
who are not in the spotlight often but may be in another
organization, i.e., house fellows, student government leaders,
etc. |
| Celebrate Together |
Highly visible public recognition builds
self-esteem of the recipients, and it builds a sense of community
and belonging, of working together to achieve shared goals
and shared victories. When planning a ceremony or ritual,
ask yourself, "What meaning am I trying to create?" |
Ceremonies & rituals create community,
fusing individual souls with the spirit of your organization.
When everything is going well, ritual occasions allow us
to revel in our glory. When times are tough, ceremonies draw
us together, kindling hope and faith that better times lay
ahead. By making achievements public, you encourage the person
being recognized and the hearts of those who witness the
award. |
| Set The Example |
Having "credibility" is the foundation
for making commitment work. Actions speak louder than words,
people think a leader is credible if they do what they say
they will do. |
Be personally involved in your member’s
lives. Gaining credibility happens when you personalize your
involvement with others-not by giving a "generic" thank
you to everyone whether they worked hard or not. Have Fun!
Your organization can build unity and build leadership skills
in your members that will last a life time. |
