Leadership Practices Inventory

Based on research by James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge

The Leadership Practices Inventory comes from The Leadership Challenge.  It is embodied in the book’s foundational model and based on decades of research with over one million leaders worldwide.

The Leadership Challenge is a practical and accessible model that helps leaders accomplish extraordinary things. Based on more than thirty years of research, it is a field guide that strengthens the abilities and uplifts the spirits of all leaders. 

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® is the notion that leadership is not an event but a process that requires ongoing and regular practice.

Elevate Your Leadership with the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI)

Authentic Leadership, Real Results

At Raleigh Consulting Group, outstanding leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about inspiring others, driving change, and creating an environment where people thrive. That’s where the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) comes in.

Based on Kouzes and Posner’s renowned book The Leadership Challenge, the LPI is a robust 360-degree assessment that measures leadership performance in five essential practices. It’s more than just feedback—it’s a roadmap for becoming a better leader.

What Does the LPI Measure?

The LPI focuses on five areas that research has proven are essential for effective leadership:

  1. Model the Way: Do you lead by example and live your values?
  2. Inspire a Shared Vision: Can you paint a picture of the future that excites and motivates others?
  3. Challenge the Process: Are you willing to question the status quo and take risks to make things better?
  4. Enable Others to Act: How well do you build trust and foster collaboration?
  5. Encourage the Heart: Do you celebrate successes and recognize your team’s contributions?

How Does the LPI Help?

The LPI isn’t just a one-time exercise—it’s a tool for continuous growth. Here’s what it can do for you:

  • Gain Insight: Understand your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.
  • Build Trust: Show your team you’re committed to their success by working on your leadership skills.
  • Drive Engagement: Leaders who embrace the LPI model create more engaged, committed, and creative teams.
  • Deliver Results: Great leadership isn’t just about feeling good—it leads to better performance and outcomes.

What’s the Process Like?

1.

Take the Assessment

You and your colleagues complete a simple but powerful survey about your leadership practices.

2.

Get your Report

We’ll provide detailed results highlighting your strengths and growth opportunities.

3.

Build a Plan

We’ll create an actionable plan to help you improve where it matters most.

4.

See the Impact

As you implement changes, you’ll notice improvements in yourself and your team’s operations

Examples of LPI in Action

A manager struggling to motivate their team discovered through the LPI that they needed to “Encourage the Heart” more effectively. By regularly recognizing team efforts and celebrating small wins, the manager improved morale, and productivity soared.
During a company-wide restructuring, a leader used LPI feedback to strengthen their ability to “Inspire a Shared Vision.” By clearly communicating the goals and benefits of the changes, they rallied their team and reduced turnover.
A new department head found their team viewed them as distant and unapproachable. LPI results highlighted the need to “Enable Others to Act.” By fostering collaboration and opening lines of communication, the department saw a significant boost in performance and employee satisfaction.

Why Work with Raleigh Consulting Group?

With 45+ years of experience helping leaders unlock their potential, Raleigh Consulting Group understands what it takes to inspire, lead, and succeed. The LPI is one of the many tools we use to help leaders like you achieve meaningful, lasting growth.

Ready to Lead with Impact?

Let’s get started! Contact us today to learn more about how the LPI can help you become the leader your team needs.

How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (6th ed.)

  • Author:

    Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017)
  • Info

    2017, Wiley

This foundational book outlines the five leadership practices measured by the LPI.

Leadership Practices Inventory: Facilitator’s Guide Set (5th ed.)

  • Author:

    Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2020)
  • Info

    Wiley
A guidebook specifically for those administering and interpreting the LPI.

LPI Online Assessment

  • Author:

    Posner, B. Z., & Kouzes, J. M. (1993)
This is a digital assessment tool, which gathers 360-degree feedback based on the leadership practices.

Psychometric Properties of the Leadership Practices Inventory." Educational and Psychological Measurement, 53(1), 191–199

  • Author:

    Posner, B. Z., & Kouzes, J. M. (1993)
  • Info

    LPI Online Assessment. Wiley.
A peer-reviewed article analyzing the validity and reliability of the LPI as an assessment tool.

"The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®: A Model for Assessing Leadership Effectiveness." Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 26(5), 16–19.

  • Author:

    Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012).
This journal article outlines the five leadership practices and their impact on organizational outcomes.