Creating High-Quality Leader-Follower Relationships

What is Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)?

Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) is a very popular leadership theory that focuses on the quality of the leader-follower dyadic relationship as a key to effective leadership10. It is based on the idea that leaders form strong relationships with in-group members, who will give extra effort and dedication to the job, while the leader-follower relationship with out-group members are of much lesser quality.

The key to LMX theory is that leaders should strive to build strong, in-group relationships with all team members. How is this done? Through empowering workers, challenging them to take on responsibility, and giving them meaningful projects to work on.

According to LMX theory, leaders should be good coaches and mentors to followers, communicate frequently, and build mutual trust and respect.

LMX theory is a theory of exemplary leadership — one that focuses on relationship building as the key to success.

For Development: Think about your high-quality relationships with followers (or, with leaders). What made those relationships so positive? Now, think about low-quality, out-group member relations you have experienced or observed. What was lacking in these relationships?