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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

GLI

Bringing the Future of Leadership to the Present

About GLI

The GLI was formally approved by the University of Nebraska in 2004 to advance the science and practice of authentic leadership development. The GLI pursues this mission by supporting a doctoral program with a specialization in leadership, an MBA/MA in executive leadership in partnership with the Gallup Organization, and through selective programs. Faculty, three post doctoral positions, the doctoral program and visiting faculty contribute to advancing the institute's mission and objectives.


Bruce J. Avolio, PhD
Clifton Chair in Leadership
Senior Research Scientist, The Gallup Organization
Director, GLI

GLI Timeline/History

During 2003-2004 GLI was officially established.

Partnership with Gallup

Up to 12 doctoral associates in the PhD leadership specialization offered at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln provide human resources to achieve the GLI vision and mission in addition to post-doctoral faculty.

One of the purposes of the GLI is to secure external resources to support its research projects. In some cases, the GLI will function as the sole agency for implementing grant projects. In other cases, it will partner with other units on campus, other agencies and corporations to secure outside funding to implement its projects.

Guiding Principles

  • Demonstrate the validity of what is used for leadership assessment, development and performance improvement before using it, and expect that of all others.
  • Every individual, group, organization, community and society has greater potential for more effective leadership that is left untapped.
  • By fully understanding leadership at all levels, we can enhance the 'spaces' that exist between individuals, groups, organizations and societies, optimizing their interactions and performance.
  • Diversity represents the force in groups and organizations that guarantees constant renewal and development.
  • Leadership provides the integrating force to maximize the positive impact of diversity.
  • To remain vigilant to include and then integrate into our models and methods an approach, idea, concept, framework, and/or methods yet to be discovered.
  • To never compromise what we know in our hearts and minds is the right way to assess, develop and evaluate leadership.