About the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute
Established in 2023, the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute impacts students from all disciplines on UC’s campus, continues to be a pioneer in the field of leadership research and works with executives and community leaders across the greater Cincinnati area to empower and equip trailblazers in the region.
While founded and supported by the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute is proud to be an interdisciplinary institute for all students from any college and major, as well as individuals and groups from all industries, sectors and disciplines.
Our location at the Steger Student Life Center allows us to be at the heart of campus, making leadership development opportunities even more accessible to students. The institute is firmly rooted in the teachings of Warren Bennis and simultaneously seeks to develop new and innovative leadership development approaches.
Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
Inspired by the legacy of Warren Bennis, UC’s 22nd president and “The Father of Leadership,” the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute empowers students, UC alumni and professional/community members to believe in their potential to lead, preparing individuals to better themselves, their workplace and their community.
Mission
- Serve as an interdisciplinary hub connecting students to leadership opportunities while providing complementary workshops, training, curricula, events and tools
- Provide leadership education for alumni and community members through professional development
- Function as a research lab dedicated to the study of evidence-based leadership development
Values
We believe, as Bennis did, that leaders develop early and often, and that leadership does not necessarily reside within a specific person or title. Our core values reflect this approach:
- Evidence-based: Practices and programs based on tested leadership research and theory. We will continue to further leadership knowledge and research.
- Experiential: Offering opportunities for individuals to unlock their potential by reflecting on experiences and developing skills through the practice of leadership.
- Impactful: Leadership for the betterment of our communities and workplaces. We know we have an impact when Institute participants feel empowered and transformed to lead for the greater good.
- Interdisciplinary: We are open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and organizational leaders who engage in our mission.
- Collaborative: Bring together thought leaders, friends and family of Warren Bennis, and a network of individuals committed to leadership development.
- Student-driven: Authentic, student-led and student-centered leadership development programming at the undergraduate and graduate level.
FAQs
The interdisciplinary hub for leadership development at the University of Cincinnati.
We are located at the Steger Student Life Center in room 743A/B. Feel free to schedule a time to stop by, visit our space and interact with our staff!
Known as the "Father of Leadership," Warren Bennis was the 22nd president of the University of Cincinnati, serving UC from 1971-1977. He was a world-renowned scholar, consultant, author and leadership expert.
We pride ourselves on three distinctive qualities.
- First, we are an interdisciplinary institute, serving all colleges and executives from different industries, sectors and disciplines.
- Second, we are rooted in the theory and practice of leadership espoused by leadership expert Warren Bennis.
- Lastly, we were founded by students and continue to be student centered, creating opportunities for community members to interact with the aspiring leadership talent found at UC and providing opportunities for students to lead within the institute.
In short — everyone! Our programs, events, and leadership development tools are for all students, faculty and staff at the University of Cincinnati, as well as alumni, and organizational and community leaders. We have connections and partnerships with all colleges on UC’s campus, alumni from different colleges, and a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the region.
Check out our Student Leadership Development or Professional Development pages for suggestions on how to develop as a leader and be involved with the Institute! We understand everyone’s journey looks different and we are happy to meet and discuss your personal journey with you or determine the best learning options for your team/organization.
Everything we do at the institute is evidence-based, meaning that our programs and training opportunities are grounded in leadership research and theory. We also collect our own data to evaluate and ensure our programs are developing participants in the intended way.
The institute believes, as Bennis did, that leaders develop early and often, and that leadership does not necessarily reside within a specific person, title or rank. Rather than defining leadership based on a position, we define leadership as the presence of three key outcomes: direction, alignment and commitment.
- Direction — setting goals and objectives
- Alignment — coordinating resources to meet goals
- Commitment — motivating and holding members accountable to achieve goals
We believe that leadership is a lifelong journey and each of us has the capacity and calling to be a leader at various points in time. We believe everyone has the potential to lead and solve problems.
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Contact Us
Warren Bennis Leadership Institute
Steger Student Life Center
Suite 743 A/B
2801 UC MainStreet
Cincinnati, OH 45221
warrenbennislead@ucmail.uc.edu