Jim Kouzes and
Barry Posner started developing the idea for
The Leadership Challenge when they were planning to present about leadership at a two-day conference. Academics at
Santa Clara University, Kouzes and Posner were set to speak after
Tom Peters, who was presenting about successful companies. Kouzes and Posner decided to focus on individual leadership skills. Kouzes cites that the last practice, "Encourage the Heart", is the most uncommonly seen in leadership roles. The concept focuses on being sincere, including sincere celebrations devoted to recognizing employee successes. "Inspire a Shared Vision" focuses on developing a vision and series of
goals that everyone at the organization cares about and works towards collectively, with clear understanding. "Challenge the Process" encourages moving "outside the boundaries" to be innovative to make change. "Enable Others to Act" is trust-based, encouraging leaders to create a safe and trusting environment for people to collaborate, experiment, and engage.
Important leadership traits Kouzes and Posner believe that leadership is learned, not something one is born with. They look at traits seen within
introvert and
extrovert personalities, and examine how they can be developed into leaders by using those skills. For example, extroverts lean towards sharing of their thoughts and ideas with energy to larger groups, when introverts tend to be more quiet and one-on-one in their engagement about ideas to others. A survey featured in the book shows that
honesty is the most respected personality trait that a leader can have. Three additional traits that leaders around the world share are forward-thinking, inspiration, and competency. It also provides
self-assessment tools for leaders to learn more about
behavioral tendencies affect their leadership. The tool has been used by
Cracker Barrel, the
United States Treasury Department, and the
American Red Cross. ==Publication and recognition==