Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership

"Want to know how to motivate your people? Read Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership. It will demonstrate that getting people to follow your lead is not like throwing a switch. You need to reach their hearts and their minds. Words are important, but more important are your actions. Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner are two of the best thinkers (and doers) in the leadership arena. Seldom have I walked into the office without seeing a copy of one of their leadership books. The young women and men who first read Jim and Barry's books are now leading their organizations. So, it is fitting that Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership comes out now. Our times are challenging and leadership is more important than ever. Read this book and come away with ideas that will invigorate your leadership and inspire others to follow your lead."

-John Baldoni, member of Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, Global Guru Top 30 Leadership expert, and author of 14 books, including his newest GRACE: A Leader's Guide to a Better Us

"Uplifting, insightful, practical, and powerful! The stories and examples packed into this book clarify what leadership means, why it matters, and how everyone can (and should!) lead. Thank you, Jim and Barry, for this valuable gem!"

-Deb Calvert, president of People First Productivity Solutions, coauthor, Stop Selling and Start Leading

"In my first foray into The Leadership Challenge world of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, I was presented with the idea that "The road to the future is unpaved." This latest addition to their incredible literary toolbox provides the reader with a clear path to that future, one that clearly defines both the scenic route and potential roadblocks. It is current, timely, and instructive, and emphasizes above all that leadership truly is everyone's business."

-Alan Lyme, LISW, Certified Master for The Leadership Challenge, MINT Certified MI Trainer

"The world needs strong leadership today more than ever before and Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner show us the difference extraordinary leaders are making with their teams, organizations, and communities. In their newest book, Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership, Jim and Barry do a masterful job of providing us with wonderful leadership stories and lessons learned from everyday people centered around The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. This is a must-read book for any leader who is looking to make a positive impact with those they serve."

-Brent Kondritz, Executive Director, Center for Leadership, University of Dayton

"Local communities are facing unique challenges: social unrest, catastrophic weather events, and a need for truth and understanding. As a local news organization, Scripps has challenged ourselves to create an authentic connection with our viewers through essential journalism and meaningful storytelling. The Leadership Challenge provided the framework for our company to hold the discussions that help us manage change. Now, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner take that to the next level, recognizing there are leaders at all levels and no one needs a title to be a leader."

-Brian Lawlor, President, Local Media, The E.W. Scripps Company

"At a time when impact and influence is needed most, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner provide us with a roadmap for each of us to be our very best. I am thrilled about this latest book, Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership. We know leadership is NOT a title; it's all about behavior influencing and empowering others. In my business, the true 1:1 leadership occurs between every nurse and patient wherever care is delivered. Jim and Barry teach us from over 30 years of research a practical yet profound way to get up every day, show up every day, wherever that is, to make a difference in this world through our words, actions, and behaviors toward those around us."

-Lori Armstrong, CEO & Chief Clinical Officer, Inspire Nurse Leaders, and Adjunct Professor, Drexel University

"Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner have consistently helped millions of people across the globe every day as they grow and lead. Their latest book, Everyday People, Exemplary Leadership takes their seminal work to the next level, providing data based, yet very practical guidance based on their decades of experience and research. Whether you are just starting your career, or are a seasoned exec, you will learn the core tenets of exemplary leadership that really do apply to everybody! Read this book-you will grow."

-Ann Herrmann-Nehdi, Chair of the Board, Herrmann Inc.

"Now more than ever (a phrase we're hearing a lot these days), leadership is important. And while that's true, the reality is that it's always been true. Kouzes and Posner's wonderful new book illuminates a subject that is both timeless and timely. Its principles are not defined by a particular era; yet, they are hyper-relevant to today's unique challenges and crises. This is a book for leaders. And guess what? That includes you, because whether you know it or not, and regardless of your position or title, you are already leading. This book will help you to do it with conscious intent, and, therefore, to do it better. And that's exactly what we all need-now more than ever."

-Steve Farber, Founder, The Extreme Leadership Institute, author, The Radical Leap, Greater Than Yourself, and Love Is Just Damn Good Business

"Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner have done it again! Their new book Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership expands on the excellent foundation of their earlier book, The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. They bring not only empirical research but also real life examples of leadership qualities and practices that everyday people use to make the extraordinary happen."

-Louise Aryapour, CFO, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County

"Growing up in the late 1960's and 70's, I was driven to read all I could about leadership, set goals, observe others, and make lists of traits that good leaders displayed. I read many, many books to learn those action steps. I would challenge myself, engage others for support, and practice deliberately. My obsession with continuous learning and training made all the difference. I wish I would have had this book back then. This book really simplifies the process, which took me over 10 years to finally feel confident in my ability to lead. I could have had that 'roadmap' in just one book. I congratulate James and Barry on another great leadership book."

-Dwight Conover, Chairman, Northwest Financial Corporation

"Kouzes and Posner have done it again! Reminding us that no matter our role, everyone has the capacity for significant leadership impact in their lives, workplaces, and communities. Their research confirms that it is not personality or charisma that produces leaders, but a specific set of measurable and replicable behaviors. And then they provide exercises we can all undertake to strengthen those very same competencies. A practical and inspiring guidebook to leadership for all!"

-Darrell Evora, CEO, Uplift Family Services

"Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership perfectly illustrates Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner's idea that "leadership is everyone's business. It is a simple, yet profound leadership model for everyone regardless of your title, position, or authority.

To demonstrate this point, let me show you the difference between the old train (what we called green train) in the past and the bullet train which runs throughout China now. The old train has one engine in the front of the train and it drags all the cars. That's why the speed is very slow.

However, with the bullet train, each car has its own engine and the cars work together collectively. Thus, the bullet train is super fast. As a parallel to organizational leadership, if it is only one leader that takes the leading role, it is harder for him or her to lead. However, if everyone is ignited, enabled, and empowered, the ordinary people can make the extraordinary difference, they can start their own engines, and take personal responsibilities. The impact will be huge-everyone will feel responsible and engaged, team morale will be boosted, and the company's financial performance will improve.

With the deliberate practice according to the leadership model, anyone can become an extraordinary leader and make the difference anytime and anywhere they want.

-Connie Stevens, Founder, HeadStart Consulting Company (Shanghai)

"With Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership, Barry Posner and James Kouzes have presented a new vision of leadership. Not limited to the nominal leaders or specific groups of managers but for all of us. The book guides us through five practices of leadership everyone can learn and use at work, school, or everyday life. All practices are proven by carefully collected data and memorable examples.

For me as someone who mainly works with virtual teams and who has to lead people who are not directly reporting to me or even are on a higher management level, the five practices of extraordinary leadership provide easy-to-apply methods for successful collaboration with my team members. Thank you."

-Alex...