Leadership Practices Inventory: Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Leadership

Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Practices Inventory® (LPI) is a research-based 360° leadership assessment that measures how frequently a leader engages in the behaviors associated with The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. It treats leadership as a set of observable, learnable actions rather than personality traits.

What the LPI Measures

The LPI is built around five core practices:

• Model the Way: Clarifying values and aligning actions with shared principles.

• Inspire a Shared Vision: Envisioning an uplifting future and enlisting others in that vision.

• Challenge the Process: Searching for opportunities, experimenting, and taking risks to improve.

• Enable Others to Act: Fostering collaboration, trust, and strengthening others.

• Encourage the Heart: Recognizing contributions and celebrating values-driven wins.

How the LPI Works

The instrument uses 30 behavior statements, six for each practice, rated on a Likert scale to indicate how often the leader demonstrates each behavior. Leaders complete a self-assessment, and selected observers (managers, peers, direct reports, others) provide parallel feedback, creating a 360° view. Reports translate these data into clear profiles, percentile comparisons, and focused feedback for growth planning.

Uses in Development and Organizations

The LPI is widely used in leadership programs, coaching engagements, and organizational development initiatives to support evidence-based leadership growth. Practitioners leverage it to identify strengths, reveal blind spots, and design targeted development plans linked directly to on-the-job behaviors. Organizations also aggregate results to understand leadership culture, track progress over time, and align development efforts with strategic goals.