Academics at Santa Clara University, Kouzes and Posner were set to speak after Tom Peters, who was presenting about successful companies.

[3] Kouzes and Posner identified five common concepts in their survey, hence the five practices, which are: "Model the Way", "Inspire a Shared Vision", "Challenge the Process", "Enable Others to Act" and "Encourage the Heart".

"Enable Others to Act" is trust-based, encouraging leaders to create a safe and trusting environment for people to collaborate, experiment, and engage.

[2]By implementing these practices, leaders can foster an environment that not only drives performance but also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.

[3] The book also looks at work styles and how people function in organizational settings, and how to improve skills like visionising based on their personality traits.

If a shared vision can be developed and exhibited, staff will be more prone to feeling confident and motivated in their job.

[5] Developed out of the key traits found within "The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership" is the Leadership Practices Inventory, or LPI, a print and online assessment, which the authors called a "360 assessment tool", which leaders can use to allow staff to be surveyed about specific leaders in their organization.

[8][10] The tool has been used by Cracker Barrel, the United States Treasury Department, and the American Red Cross.

[13] Kouzes and Posner have published excerpts and written guest columns featuring The Leadership Challenge for Fast Company.