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U-M's Michigan Model of Leadership Gains Global Traction
Professors discuss how the influential theory is being applied in classrooms and boardrooms worldwide.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:02am
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The Michigan Model of Leadership, developed more than a decade ago by experts at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, is gaining global recognition and adoption. The model, which the Financial Times called one of the most important in history, focuses on organizational culture and is now being implemented in executive education courses and high-potential programs around the world.
Why it matters
The Michigan Model provides a framework for building the right organizational culture, which is increasingly important as companies navigate periods of rapid change and volatility. By embedding the model in their leadership development programs, organizations are equipping their executives and high-potential employees with a valuable tool for creating the type of culture that will help their businesses thrive.
The details
The Michigan Model was created by U-M business professors who saw key elements missing from traditional management theories. The model emphasizes the importance of organizational culture in driving business success. Professors from the Ross School of Business, including Gretchen Spreitzer, Monica Worline, and Mike Barger, are now sharing the model with executives around the world, who are finding it highly relevant and valuable for their organizations.
- The Michigan Model of Leadership was launched more than a decade ago.
- Gretchen Spreitzer discussed the model's use in executive education courses and a high-potential program in India last month.
The players
University of Michigan
The public research university where the Michigan Model of Leadership was developed by experts at the Ross School of Business.
Gretchen Spreitzer
A professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business who discusses the Michigan Model of Leadership and its global adoption.
Monica Worline
A professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business who discusses the Michigan Model of Leadership and its global adoption.
Mike Barger
A professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business who discusses the Michigan Model of Leadership and its global adoption.
What they’re saying
“We have it embedded in many of our executive education courses. The executives who are in the courses really resonate with it.”
— Gretchen Spreitzer, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
“I was in India last month working with a company and they got so excited about the Michigan Model of Leadership. This is their high potential program, but they want to cascade it throughout the other levels of their organization in terms of using the model to help create the right kind of culture that they want for their organization.”
— Gretchen Spreitzer, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
The takeaway
The widespread adoption of the Michigan Model of Leadership, which focuses on building the right organizational culture, demonstrates its value as a framework for helping companies navigate periods of change and volatility. By embedding the model in their leadership development programs, organizations are equipping their executives with a powerful tool for creating the type of culture that will drive their businesses forward.
