University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
A Leader's Legacy
Book

A Leader's Legacy

James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Jossey-Bass, 2006
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Applicable
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

In this easy-to-read, well-organized inspirational book, authors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner show you in 21 short chapters what it takes to become a leader. The essays are concise and transparent, and the numerous examples will inspire anyone who needs a boost in leadership energy. Some material is repeated, basic or familiar, but the book offers a great deal of wisdom about motivational leadership and making your mark. If you'd like a short but solid manual on leadership issues to read on the airplane or over the weekend, getAbstract recommends tossing this into your carry-on or briefcase.

Summary

The Leader's Legacy

Anyone who wants to be an exceptional leader also must be a great teacher, committed to help students perform better. Teachers thrive when their students do, and good teachers solicit honest feedback about their own performance. When you are an effective teacher, you also are a de facto leader. Teachers, coaches and mentors are vital to any organization, since they guide and advise.

Leaders do not work alone. Others contribute to the leader's success. If you want to be valued, ask yourself how you want to be remembered. This significant question does not have a single answer; merely asking it makes you consider what really matters. Don't just list your accomplishments. Evaluate what you are doing to make a memorable contribution to your community or society. If you want to lead and make a lasting impact, consider these guidelines, which will help you develop leadership qualities in four crucial areas, "significance, relationships, aspirations and courage":

Significance

Most leaders need to know that they have been instrumental in their employees' success. Heed these guidelines if you want to play a key role in your staff members' ...

About the Authors

James M. Kouzes is executive fellow at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, where Barry Z. Posner is dean and professor of leadership.

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