The University of Notre Dame’s iconic Hesburgh Lecture Series recently made its debut at the University of Guelph, welcoming the U of G community to explore the topic of effective leadership with professor Mike Crant, an expert in the field of organizational leadership. The Hesburgh Lecture Series [1] is renowned for promoting intellectual dialogue with distinguished Notre Dame faculty.

During his lecture, Crant explained that leadership can never be mandated and that it has to be willingly attributed to a leader by followers. He also stated that there is no step by step process to acquire a large followership and become an effective leader.

“There is no best way to lead.” Crant Said. “The best leaders have a lot of different styles to draw from to be effective.” 

According to a survey he conducted on top employer qualities, employees seek leaders that are visionary, honest and care for their colleagues. These are also some of the characteristics that Crant believes leaders should possess that could help them connect more with their employees and bring benefits to the organization.

“Treat people the way you want to be treated and you’ll be successful.” stated Crant.  

During the lecture Crant discussed what it means to be a visionary leader. He stated that employers have to practice active leadership, they have to be agents for change, generate ideas and put them into motion. Followers also value self-confidence; if employers believe in their idea and that their company can achieve it, employees are more likely to see the leader as an aspirational figure and support them with their goals and objectives for the company.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crant and his research or on the survey he conducted please visit the Notre Dame Online website [2].