A Lean Journey 
Leadership is not defined by personality traits or job titles—it is defined by actions, behaviors, and consistent practices. Research shows that the most successful leaders demonstrate a specific set of behaviors that inspire trust, drive performance, and create meaningful impact. These behaviors are captured in the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, a proven framework that explains how to become an effective leader in real-world settings.
Based on extensive research and thousands of leadership stories, this model highlights the leadership skills and behaviors that individuals display when they are performing at their very best.
What Are the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership?
The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership represent a set of leadership development best practices that can be learned, practiced, and refined over time. These practices focus on observable actions rather than abstract theories, making them practical and applicable across industries and roles.
The Five Practices Explained
- Model the Way
Effective leaders lead by example. They clarify their values and align their actions with shared principles, ensuring credibility and trust.
- Inspire a Shared Vision
Leaders imagine exciting future possibilities and motivate others by connecting those ideas to shared goals and aspirations.
- Challenge the Process
Growth requires innovation. Exemplary leaders seek opportunities to improve, experiment with new ideas, and learn from experience.
- Enable Others to Act
Leadership is not about control—it’s about empowerment. Strong leaders build trust, encourage collaboration, and help others grow their capabilities.
- Encourage the Heart
Recognition and celebration matter. Leaders who appreciate contributions and celebrate wins build morale and strengthen commitment.
Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
| Leadership Practice | Key Focus Area | Exemplary Leadership Behaviors |
| Model the Way | Values & Integrity | Clarifying values, leading by example, aligning actions with principles |
| Inspire a Shared Vision | Future & Purpose | Communicating vision, motivating others, aligning shared aspirations |
| Challenge the Process | Innovation & Growth | Taking initiative, experimenting, learning from mistakes |
| Enable Others to Act | Collaboration & Trust | Building relationships, empowering teams, developing competence |
| Encourage the Heart | Recognition & Culture | Celebrating achievements, recognizing individual contributions |
Why These Leadership Skills and Behaviors Matter
The leadership skills and behaviors outlined in this framework are practical, measurable, and applicable to leaders at all levels. Whether you manage a small team or lead an entire organization, consistently practicing these behaviors helps create trust, improve engagement, and drive sustainable results.
Organizations that emphasize these leadership development best practices often see stronger team performance, higher employee satisfaction, and more resilient leadership pipelines.
How to Become an Effective Leader Using These Practices
Learning how to become an effective leader doesn’t require a fixed formula. Leadership is more art than science—but it improves with awareness, practice, and reflection. By applying the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership regularly, individuals can strengthen their influence, inspire others, and lead with confidence.
These practices are easy to understand, achievable through consistent effort, and can be mastered by anyone willing to grow as a leader.
- Model the Way
Effective leaders lead by example. They clarify their values and align their actions with shared principles, ensuring credibility and trust.
- Inspire a Shared Vision
Leaders imagine exciting future possibilities and motivate others by connecting those ideas to shared goals and aspirations.
- Challenge the Process
Growth requires innovation. Exemplary leaders seek opportunities to improve, experiment with new ideas, and learn from experience.
- Enable Others to Act
Leadership is not about control—it’s about empowerment. Strong leaders build trust, encourage collaboration, and help others grow their capabilities.
- Encourage the Heart
Recognition and celebration matter. Leaders who appreciate contributions and celebrate wins build morale and strengthen commitment.
Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
| Leadership Practice | Key Focus Area | Exemplary Leadership Behaviors |
| Model the Way | Values & Integrity | Clarifying values, leading by example, aligning actions with principles |
| Inspire a Shared Vision | Future & Purpose | Communicating vision, motivating others, aligning shared aspirations |
| Challenge the Process | Innovation & Growth | Taking initiative, experimenting, learning from mistakes |
| Enable Others to Act | Collaboration & Trust | Building relationships, empowering teams, developing competence |
| Encourage the Heart | Recognition & Culture | Celebrating achievements, recognizing individual contributions |
Why These Leadership Skills and Behaviors Matter
The leadership skills and behaviors outlined in this framework are practical, measurable, and applicable to leaders at all levels. Whether you manage a small team or lead an entire organization, consistently practicing these behaviors helps create trust, improve engagement, and drive sustainable results.
Organizations that emphasize these leadership development best practices often see stronger team performance, higher employee satisfaction, and more resilient leadership pipelines.
How to Become an Effective Leader Using These Practices
Learning how to become an effective leader doesn’t require a fixed formula. Leadership is more art than science—but it improves with awareness, practice, and reflection. By applying the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership regularly, individuals can strengthen their influence, inspire others, and lead with confidence.
These practices are easy to understand, achievable through consistent effort, and can be mastered by anyone willing to grow as a leader.
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