LEADERSHIP CHRONICLES - FIVE PRACTICES OF EXEMPLARY LEADERS

After two seasons as Leadership Coach with the Ryerson Rams University Women's Basketball Team we're ready to create the Ryerson Rams Women's Basketball Leadership Development Program that will effectively serve the needs of our program, support the development of our athletes and drive the performance of our team.  Due to the situational nature of leadership, we needed the first two seasons to assess our leadership development needs.  Special thanks to Head Coach Carly Clarke, Athlete Services Manager Leith Drury, all the players, coaching staff and administration who have been instrumental in the creation of this new program.

The program is based on insights from the book "The Leadership Challenge" by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, giants in the world of leadership education and research.  Based on over 30 years of research Kouzes and Posner identified five common practices of leaders who make extraordinary things happen.  They call them the "5 Practices of Exemplary Leaders".

The Ryerson Rams Womens Basketball Leadership Development Program includes important interventions that we've latch onto the Exemplary Leadership model.  These interventions, turn the key and will drive the leadership education and facilitate the learning and acquisition of the desired skills with our athletes.  I won't share those interventions.  That's C15 classified stuff!  However, I thought it important to share the 5 Practices of Exemplary Leaders.

1. MODEL THE WAY
Leaders establish principles concerning the way people (consituents, peers, colleagues and customers alike) should be treated and the way goals should be pursued.  They create standards of excellence and then set an example for others to follow.

2. INSPIRE A SHARED VISION
Leaders envision the future, creating an ideal and unique image of what the organization can become.  They enlist others in their dreams.  They breathe life into their visions and get people to see exciting possibilities for the future.

3. CHALLENGE THE PROCESS
Leaders look for innovative ways to improve the organization.  They take risks and understand that risk taking involves mistakes and failures.  Leaders accept the inevitable disappointments as learning opportunities.

4. ENABLE OTHERS TO ACT
Leaders foster collaboration and build spirited teams. They actively involve others.  Leaders understand that mutual respect is what sustains extraordinary efforts; they strive to create an atmosphere of trust and human dignity.  They strengthen others making each person feel capable and powerful.

5. ENCOURAGE THE HEART
To keep hope and determination alive, leaders recognize contributions that individuals make.  Leaders celebrate accomplishments. They make people feel like heroes.