Using Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) as a Mental Model for Relationship Building

Building relationships is an important skill for managers. Leader-member exchange (LMX) leadership theory focuses on the quality of relationships between a leader and a follower. Using the LMX construct, management educators can create a mental model for students to reflect on current relationships and to determine how to build initial relationships in the future. In this session, participants will take part in a classroom activity designed for undergraduate leadership and organizational behavior classes to help students develop insights into relationship building.