One manager, several different relationships. LMX shifts attention from leadership labels to what people actually experience.
Does it matter what kind of leader you are? The provocative answer would be: not at all. Of course, it isn’t that simple. A more useful question might be: what kind of leader does each person experience you as?
LMX — Leader–Member Exchange — focuses on dyadic relationships. In plain language, a relationship between two particular people. You may have a prevailing leadership style, yet your relationship with Tomáš differs from your relationship with Kateřina. And things are different again with Robin.
LMX draws attention to an inner and an outer circle around a leader. People in the inner circle receive more information, trust, interesting assignments and room to make decisions. In return, they often contribute beyond their formal role. Relationships in the outer circle tend to stay more contractual: assignment, delivery, report. Nothing more, nothing less.
It sounds unfair. But personal liking is only part of the picture. The experiences both people share matter too. Was the task delivered? Was there an extra contribution? And how did the manager respond? Did they notice, thank the person, offer room to act or stand up for them? A relationship is not made by one side alone.
Here is the less comfortable part: there is a questionnaire called LMX-7. Its seven questions concern the quality of that relationship. From the team member’s perspective, they explore themes such as understanding their needs, recognising their potential and mutual support. These are descriptions of the themes, not the exact questionnaire wording.
LMX-7 isn’t filled in for the team as a single unit. It concerns a particular relationship. So “I get on well with my people” is not enough. Which people? What would they say about working with you?
The question isn’t only what type of leader you are. It is also how many different answers you would receive — and how many you would want to hear. Thanks to Tereza Štěrbová for the reminder.
Inner and outer circles of relationships
Inner circle
- High-quality relationships
- Trust
- Information sharing
- Independence
- Cooperation
Outer circle
- Transactional relationships
- Formal communication
- Clearly defined roles
- Limited autonomy
