Theories in Action: Leader-member Exchange Theory

Alongside transformational leadership, Leader-member Exchange Theory is highly applicable to the leadership styles of both of my bosses, Mr. Blinkoff and Mr. Leventhal. The theory is most applicable specifically to the relationship I have developed with Mr. Blinkoff. It is highly evident to me that my level of productiveness and usefulness to the firm directly correlated with the quality of Mr. Blinkoff and I’s personal relationship. Additionally, each of these factors only increased throughout my time as an intern, as I now leave the firm with more confidence in my marketability than ever before. 

Leader-member exchange theory highlights the correlation between leadership effectiveness and strong leader-follower relationships. Leaders remain partially task-oriented when pursuing this leadership style, yet the accomplishment of goals strongly rests on effective, personalized and positive leader-follower social exchanges. A group with this kind of leader will be made most effective when each follower has a strong, unique, trust-oriented relationship with the group’s leader. Through these positive relationships, followers are primed to be interested in their work and their group’s mission, and to feel maximally included, useful, and confident in their role. 

Mr. Blinkoff is very good at maintaining positive, unique relationships with each of the firm’s members to maximize their effective inclusion in the organization’s work. As a result of this leadership style, each of the firm’s members appear to be highly content with their company role and to be proud of the firm’s work. In regard to legal work, Mr. Blinkoff must treat each client incredibly personally and guarantee that they feel cared for. Through a Leader-member Exchange Theory based leadership style, Mr. Blinkoff leaves all staff and clients feeling comfortable with their state of involvement with the firm.

In regards to the development my role in the firm, Mr. Blinkoff has been incredibly effective at orienting me to the staff at and work of the firm as to maximize the productiveness of my involvement with the firm. In a matter of ten weeks we have gone from complete strangers to good friends, as Mr. Blinkoff has served as one of the best mentors I’ve ever had. Each week I gained a deeper understanding of the firm’s work and took on an increasingly larger role. I was aptly able to recognize Mr. Blinkoff’s gradually increasing trust in me and faith in my abilities as the summer went on. I went from mainly doing document review and file organization to writing full reports, legal memos, and emails on Mr. Blinkoff’s behalf. It is clear to me that Mr. Blinkoff and Mr. Leventhal benefited immensely from my strong training, as I took on a large variety of work that both of them would have otherwise had to do themselves. Nevertheless, through effective Leader-member Exchange Theory based leadership, I feel like I have benefited more than anyone else from my internship, and I was incredibly happy and proud to be productively aiding the firm in the completion of its mission.