The document discusses the Leader-Member Exchange theory, which uses evaluations and tests to match leaders and subordinates based on compatibility. Research shows positive relationships between employees and employers can increase productivity and efficiency. However, critics argue the tests may focus too much on attributes like age, sex, and race, rather than specific traits, potentially leading to discrimination. The theory helped develop mentorship programs in workplaces to build cohesive teams and increase employee loyalty to their mentor or coach.

1. And Now, just for your clarification… The Leader-Member Exchange Theory By: Daniel Heard

2. Excited? I wasn’t.

3. Until I found that new techniques, which stem directly from the Leader-Member Exchange theory, are being implicated in some pretty well known companies.. So What is it?

4. To put it as simply as possible, The Leader-Member Exchange theory is a series of evaluations and tests that form compatible matches between leader and subordinate. (Kind of like the matchmaker tests we all took on valentines day in high school)

5. What’s the point? Well, through various forms of leadership studies, companies are finding a positive correlation between production/efficiency and the quality of employee-employer relationships.... What does that mean? Money Money Money

6. So you think it sounds to good to be true? You’re Not Alone. Critics believe that the tests used to evaluate the compatibility in the workplace focuses primarily on generalities such as age groups, sex, and race instead of comparing more specific traits such as optimism, enthusiasm, or personality types… This could unintentionally lead to segregation and even discrimination in the work place in order to improve efficiency.

7. And Finally…what do I think stands out? The Leader-Member Exchange theory was one of the key components that led to the creation of the Mentor-System. This is a new age leadership style that builds a teammate like cohesiveness between subordinates and creates a sense of responsibility to the group’s mentor, or coach if you prefer. I know I’d rather work hard for My “Coach” than my boss.

9. Pictures http://media.photobucket.com/image/pointing/jelc21/misc/uncle_sam_pointing_finger.jpg?o=22 http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://terryfoote.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/end.png&imgrefurl=http://terryfoote.com/the-end-part-3-further-signs/&usg=__GeRb5c0Tff0TuTSyzhVoNsGmw4s=&h=297&w=512&sz=8&hl=en&start=79&sig2=hWlbSDfaJNWRTxJG6Vrleg&zoom=1&tbnid=C9tyxR1LunffIM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=209&ei=jLkkTpeRB6ri0QHtpNmxCg&prev http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.etvma.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/curious_dog.159174508_std.gif&imgrefurl http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_asVoklzMmQ4/TLcaOUjCJqI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/MEmzdwg_59Y/s1600/check-list.jpg&imgrefurl=http://stressandwellnesstips.blogspot.com/2010/10/evaluate-your-life-day-october-19.html&usg http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/thecrazyspaniers/Still%20Life/MoneyMoneyMoney.jpg?o=2 http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chicagolegalgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Chicago-age-discrimination-attorney.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.chicagolegalgroup.com/practice-areas/illinois-employment-lawyer/age-discrimination&usg http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://smartlemming.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/business-success-mentor-coaching.jpg&imgrefurl=http://smartlemming.com/blog/2009/06/when-mentors-find-you-learning-meeting-management/&usg=__tT4lDanZH40tCztGc0RvJ1Lsrw8=&h=331&w=363&sz=122&hl=en&start=0&sig2=iWR_GfwZdYYyHLtE08CT1w&zoom=1&tbnid=-y6anuM7E6qQIM:&tbnh=163&tbnw=179&ei=u7ckTumTGYTv0gGQiqDjCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmentor%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1236%26bih%3D852%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=386&page=1&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&tx=114&ty=64