Encouraging the Heart: What Great Leaders Do | Ep. 38 | The Science of Leadership

Join us on this episode of the  @TheScienceofLeadership  podcast, as host Tom Collins sits down with renowned leadership expert Jim Kouzes to explore the deeply relational aspect of leadership. Emphasizing the heart of leadership, specifically through Kouzes' and Barry Posner's concept of "Encouraging the Heart," this conversation delves into how expressing appreciation and recognizing individual contributions are essential components for successful leadership.

In this engaging dialogue, Jim Kouzes shares powerful stories and empirical data that illustrate how "Encouraging the Heart" is vital for fostering a high-performing team and driving engagement. From defining exemplary leadership practices to recounting historical figures like President John F. Kennedy and the principles they embodied, Kouzes brings to life the transformative power of caring in leadership.

This episode is filled with actionable insights for leaders eager to harness the potential of encouragement to elevate their organizational culture and accomplish higher performance levels.

 

Key Takeaways:

🔸Leadership is fundamentally about relationships, and its quality determines the engagement level.

🔸"Encouraging the Heart" involves recognizing individual contributions and celebrating collective successes.

🔸Acknowledging and appreciating employees significantly boosts engagement and drives productivity.

🔸Personalizing recognition efforts and storytelling are key components of impactful leadership.

🔸Setting clear standards and expectations while spreading an attitude of caring can radically transform an organization's morale and effectiveness.

 

References

Amabile, T. M., Schatzel, E. A., Moneta, G. B. & Kramer, S. J. (2004). Leader behaviors and the work environment for creativity: Perceived leader support. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(1), 5–32.

Avolio, B. J. & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315–338.

Fredrickson, B, L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. The American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.

Kouzes, J. M. & Posner, B. Z. (2003). Encouraging the Heart: A Leader’s Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others. Jossey-Bass.

Kouzes, J. M. & Posner, B. Z. (2023). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (7th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Wang, X.-H. (Frank) & Howell, J. M. (2010). Exploring the Dual-Level Effects of Transformational Leadership on Followers. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(6), 1134–1144.