Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership

 

Author:  James M Kouzes, Barry Z Posner

Publisher:  John Wiley & Sons (2021)

ISBN – 10: 1119687012

Pages:  220

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to strengthen their leadership capacity and is not written for those who have titles or management positions but is primarily written for frontline workers and anyone not holding a management position in the organisation.

Grounded in evidence-based research that is paired with real-world examples, the book provides five exemplary practices that the reader can use to guide them on their leadership journey. It inspires us to do the inner work of leadership and invest in self-development and teaches us how to excel at everyday leadership through visionary thinking, risk-taking, and collaborative actions.

In reading this book you will learn that leadership is something all levels of employees in the organisation can make a positive contribution to. Leadership is not restricted to those with managerial and senior positions in the organisation but is also the responsibility of all employees. You will recognise the essential importance of discovering who you are and what you care about and how these insights guide you to exercise leadership.

Each of the five chapters related to the leadership practices starts with a story of an ordinary individual who held a junior position within their organisation. These stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things highlight the principles and practices of leadership. The stories highlight leadership examples, but the chapters go more in-depth into the practical application of the principle’s theory.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their own leadership potential and who is not yet in a formal leadership role. Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership offers authoritative new insights, case studies and examples, and practical guidance for those who want to make a difference. It supplies the reader with the skills needed to show leadership and in so doing make a positive contribution to their employing organisation.