Dr. George Bearnard Graen passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved and inspired.
Born August 7, 1937, Dr. Graen’s journey through life was one of brilliance, passion, and deep connections. A visionary in organizational psychology, he forever changed the understanding of leadership through his leader-member exchange (LMX) theory. His work emphasized what he practiced every day—that relationships matter, leadership is personal, and true success is built on trust and respect.
Over his long and distinguished career, he authored more than 300 research papers, garnering over 38,000 citations, reflecting his significant impact in the field of organizational psychology. Among his most influential and widely cited papers are “Relationship-Based Approach to Leadership: Development of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory of Leadership Over 25 Years,” “A Vertical Dyad Linkage Approach to Leadership Within Formal Organizations,” and “Generalizability of the Vertical Dyad Linkage Model of Leadership.” He also wrote 15 books that shaped the field.
He traveled the globe testing his leadership theories in other countries and cultures. He shared this knowledge and passion with the students he mentored and taught at University of Minnesota, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Keio University, University of Cincinnati, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Dr. Graen’s influence extended far beyond the classroom and research lab. He was a bridge-builder between theory and practice, collaborating with industry leaders to apply his research in real-world settings. His insights helped shape leadership development programs in Fortune 500 companies and government agencies alike, with the goal of creating more humane, effective, and inclusive workplaces.
In his later years, Dr. Graen remained a passionate learner, embracing new technologies, exploring emerging theories, and continuing to write and mentor with vigor. His curiosity was boundless, and he inspired others to never stop asking questions or seeking better ways to lead and live.
Dr. Graen was a teacher in every sense of the word, whether mentoring his students, guiding his sons through sports and education, or coaching kids in the neighborhood or youth sports. His lessons weren’t just about leadership theories—they were about life, perseverance, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Those who knew Dr. Graen will remember his warm smile, quick wit, and the twinkle in his eye when telling a story or sharing a joke. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, whether in a lecture hall, a family gathering, or a casual conversation. His generosity—of time, wisdom, and spirit—touched countless lives.
He often said, “Leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about relationships, responsibility, and respect.” These words, like the man himself, will continue to guide and inspire.
The family asks that donations be made to the Graen Grant for Student Research on Leaders and/or Teams with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, supporting education and leadership development—two things Dr. Graen held close to his heart.
