Lindner professor dubs Joe Burrow a ‘transformational leader’

Laurens Steed explains to Cleveland media what sets the Bengals QB apart

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow possesses a transformational leadership style that unites others toward a shared vision, according to Carl H. Lindner College of Business professor Laurens Steed, PhD.

Steed, an assistant professor of management who also holds the John and Gloria Goering Professorship in Family & Private Business, spoke with Cleveland.com and Strictly Stripes, Cleveland.com’s Bengals podcast, about the intricacies of Burrow’s leadership style.

“It’s like the idea of being on an airplane, and it’s really turbulent. And you look to the flight attendants to see kind of what their reaction is,” said Steed, whose PhD is in organizational behavior. “And if they stay calm, you stay calm. ...It’s the same kind of thing. I think his team looks to him for that.”

laurens-steed

Laurens Steed, PhD, assistant professor of management and holder of the John and Gloria Goering Professorship in Family & Private Business.

Transformational leadership encompasses what’s known as the four I’s: intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration and idealized influence.

“I would put Joe in the category of a transformational leader using a transformational leadership style, which is what we in organizational behavior refer to as a style of leadership where leaders work to get their followers on board with a shared vision,” Steed explained. “They’re motivating them. They’re providing meaning to their work. They’re a charismatic role model. And it also focuses on their development as individuals and followers.”

Steed also noted that Burrow embodies these attributes by using specific examples to back up statements to the media and his teammates.

“He understands that he is setting the tone and the culture for how the team is operating, and how the team is responding to adversity,” Steed said.

Read and listen to more of Steed’s comments on Cleveland.com and Strictly Stripes.

Featured image at top: A University of Cincinnati football game at the Cincinnati Bengals’ Paycor Stadium. Photo/Jay Yocis/University of Cincinnati

Next Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's medical, graduate and undergraduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.

Related Stories

3362 Results
2

UC’s summer semester offers students short sessions, flexibility

April 12, 2021

Coming into the summertime of 2020, Sumedha Kappagantula was considering ways to make the most her opportunities during what is usually a break from the academic rigor of her traditional school year. As a Biomedical Engineering major in the UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kappagantula is minoring in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, taking classes through the College of Arts and Sciences. She thought summer semester would be a great time to get ahead in her coursework, and move her degree forward.

4

UC Day of Giving a success

April 28, 2021

University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.

5

'To make him proud was high on her list'

April 1, 2021

Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.

6

President picks exceptional talent

April 28, 2021

The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.

9

Protect Company Assets by Mitigating Cyber Risks

April 8, 2021

Cyber threats and insurance have become a ubiquitous business issue. Insurance is intended as a vehicle to transfer catastrophic risk to carriers contractually in consideration for premium dollars. There is no coverage area where the risks evolve more rapidly than cyber, and so the insurance must evolve with it.