6 Commitments the Best Leaders Make to Encourage the Heart

Brett Cooper, ,

Change can be hard. And in today’s workplace, it seems that around every corner there is another challenge to face… another obstacle to overcome. At times, it can feel like a slog up Machu Picchu for which we are not adequately trained. We become exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Frustrated and disheartened, we are tempted to give up. But, the best leaders know what it takes to propel themselves and those around them forward. They don’t take the spotlight or take credit where credit isn’t due. Instead, they expect the best and every day, in ways large and small, find meaningful ways to recognize values and victories, and celebrate the accomplishments of both individuals and the team.

Encourage the Heart

This practice speaks to the very human need in every one of us to know that we matter—what we’re doing and what we’re contributing is making a difference. And as an exemplary leader, your words and actions must consistently demonstrate that you care, that you believe in your team, and that you always, always have their back.

Consider how you can put these six actions into practice, starting today!*

  1. Praise people for a job well done
  2. Make it a point to let people know about your confidence in their abilities
  3. Make sure that people are creatively recognized for their contributions to the success of projects
  4. Publicly recognize people who exemplify a commitment to shared values
  5. Tell stories of encouragement about the good work of others
  6. Get personally involved in recognizing people and celebrating accomplishments

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® model that serves as the foundation of the internationally-acclaimed The Leadership Challenge® sets out the essential principles and behaviors that ongoing research continues to confirm lead to improved employee engagement, higher performing teams, and increased bottom-line results. Encourage the Heart is one of The Five Practices that focuses on showing appreciation for individual excellence and creating a spirit of community.

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Ready to learn more about a clear, evidence-based path to become the best leader you can be. Download a sample LPI 360 Individual feedback report today.

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*Used with permission from The Leadership Challenge® ©James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, published by John Wiley & Sons. All rights reserved.

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Brett Cooper

Brett is the visionary President of Integris Performance Advisors, a professional development firm he co-founded to expand the existence of healthy organizations and great places to work. By creatively bringing together concepts from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (by Patrick Lencioni), The Leadership Challenge (by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner), and Lean Six Sigma, Brett and his team have influenced thousands of people in government, non-profits and corporate America to work together in more productive, more effective and more human ways. Outside of his role at Integris, Brett dedicates time to serving others in need. He is a volunteer coordinator for the East Bay Stand Down and Stand Down on the Delta, two non-profits serving the needs of San Francisco’s homeless Veteran population. He is also board member and financial sponsor for Partners in Sustainable Learning, whose mission is to bring early childhood education to marginalized communities in the developing world (current projects are underway in Nepal).
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