13: Relational Leadership Model

The relational leadership model (RLM) is inherently relational and ethical and moves beyond traits and individual achievement to support a collective and ethical effort and process of leadership. It encourages us to operate beyond ourselves toward positive change. The model includes five interconnected components—purposeful, inclusive, empowering, ethical, and process-oriented—that overlap and reinforce each other, creating a holistic approach to leadership. This model encompasses a focus on knowledge (knowing), attitudes and inner qualities (being), and action (doing), which are key for enacting relational leadership. This chapter explores the history and context around the RLM, defines the theory, and concludes with strengths and opportunities of the theory.