Dr. Miranda Bailey + LMX

When Lory first talked to us about this LMX (Leader Member Exchange) Theory in class, I instantly connected with it because that is exactly how the bond/relationship between my manager and I formed.  During the course of 4 months, we have gone through the three stages and we are now at the point where we have high quality exchanges and most importantly, trust.

Now, relating this theory to a TV Show was not hard at all. Despite the fact that I watch a lot of series and almost in every single one you can see leadership in action, the second thing that came into my mind when I learned about this theory was Dr. Miranda Bailey from the show Grey’s Anatomy. LMX theory states that “leaders often develop relationships with each member of the group that they lead” and explains how each relationship is developed in a unique way.  Dr. Bailey went through each phase with her intern and created different relationships with each one.

For example, we can take a look at her relationship between her and one of her interns Izzy.  From the very beginning, Dr. Bailey comes off as abrasive however deep down, she does care for the good of those that surround her. Instead of being hated she is respected and is held in high esteem.  Izzy on the other hand is this very nice, caring, friendly, and sentimental intern.  As opposite as they were, they managed to create a very special bond between them based on trust, respect, and love:

Phase1: Stranger/Role-taking – This stage is demonstrated in Grey’s Anatomy in the first season where Dr. bailey received her interns and then carefully examines each them as time passes to see what are their strengths and weaknesses. Every day, interns are assigned duties and then Dr. bailey decides which one will be working with the attending physicians for the day. It was very interested to see that she did not pair interns with physicians who practiced what each intern was interested in.  It took Izzie some time to like Dr. Bailey

Phase2:Acquantance/Role-making – This stage is mainly focused on trust building. Dr. Bailey and Izzie grew close to each other and a friendship started to form. At the end of season 2, Izzie cut her lover, Denny Duquette’s LVAD wire and died right after that. Dr. Bailey felt betrayed and ashamed of this incident because she thought it was her fault for not having more control of her interns. Izzie was not kicked out from the program because of this incident but it did break her trust with Dr. Bailey. However with time, their relationship grew strong again.

Phase3:Partnership/Routinization – An example in the show where this phase can be seen is where Izzie continues to work hard to build that trust she broke with Dr. Bailey.  For example, she donated a very large sum of money she inherited to a free clinic Dr. Bailey opened up in Seattle Grace hospital.  Once again, they succeeded to develop a storng relationship between them. This can be seen when Izzie was diagnosed with skin cancer. Since the very beginig, Dr. Bailey supported Izzie through her first surgery and her treatments while her friends where not 100% there to support her.