Encouraging the Heart

About the Authors

James Kouzes and Barry Posner are two of the most influential voices in the field of leadership. They are the co-authors of the award-winning book The Leadership Challenge, which has sold over 1.8 million copies worldwide. Both authors have devoted their careers to studying leadership and have co-authored several other notable works, including A Leader’s Legacy and Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It. James Kouzes is a professional speaker and the Dean's Executive Professor of Leadership at the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. Barry Posner, Ph.D., is a Professor of Leadership and former Dean at the same institution. Their extensive research and practical experience have made them highly sought-after consultants and educators in leadership development.

Main Idea

Encouraging the Heart delves into the principles and practices essential for recognizing and appreciating others in meaningful ways. Kouzes and Posner argue that genuine encouragement is crucial for fostering extraordinary performance. This book explores the human need for appreciation and how leaders can fulfill this need through deliberate, thoughtful actions that link rewards and recognition to standards of excellence. The essence of leadership, as presented by the authors, lies in creating strong, trusting relationships between individuals and their work, ensuring that everyone feels valued and motivated to achieve their best.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Heart of Leadership
• The Seven Essentials of Encouraging the Heart
• Set Clear Standards
• Expect the Best
• Pay Attention
• Personalize Recognition
• Tell the Story
• Celebrate Together
• Set the Example
• Conclusion

The Heart of Leadership

Kouzes and Posner begin by posing a fundamental question: "Do I need encouragement to perform at my best?" This question lays the foundation for their exploration of leadership. Through their research, they discovered that when people receive encouragement, they are significantly more likely to perform at a higher level. Encouragement, as the authors suggest, is not about superficial gestures like gold stars or pay-offs, but about genuine recognition that reinforces the values and goals of an organization. They cite a study by Kepner-Tregoe, revealing that 96% of North American workers gain satisfaction from knowing they've done a good job, highlighting the universal need for recognition.

"Encouragement helps if we get it. Why, then, do we think we don't need much positive affirmation? Perhaps it's because we don't experience enough encouragement to realize how important it is." - James Kouzes and Barry Posner

Understanding the profound impact of encouragement is the first step toward effective leadership. Leaders who master the art of encouraging the heart create environments where individuals are motivated to exceed expectations. This chapter sets the stage for the seven essentials that follow, each providing a blueprint for how leaders can cultivate a culture of recognition and appreciation.