Rethinking Leadership Education: Why Roles Matter More Than Rank - Michael Linville and Mark Rennaker

Send Fan Mail by Text!Full transcript and show notes: https://www.sharnafabiano.com/2026/07/29/rethinking-leadership-education-why-roles-matter-more-than-rank-michael-linville-and-mark-rennaker/ Many leadership programs teach people how to lead — but fewer explore what makes people effective when they are contributing from every other role on a team. Michael Linville and Mark Rennaker discuss why understanding team roles, purpose, and contribution changes the way students and professionals think about leadership.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why leadership education is incomplete without understanding how teams functionHow separating roles from rank changes students’ perspectives on leadershipWhy purpose can become the foundation for how people contribute within organizationsWhat educators can do to create more complete leadership development programsHow understanding different team roles can change the way people see themselves and othersMichael W. Linville is professor in Indiana Wesleyan University’s PhD in Organizational Leadership program. He holds several certifications in areas such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and personality typology, including Ira Chaleff’s Followership Train the Trainer program. Combining 15 years of corporate experience with 25 years of international nonprofit experience (including four years directing a college in Kiev, Ukraine), Linville was awarded Dragomanov University’s Silver Medallion Award in 2009 for his service and contribution to education in Ukraine. He also leads an international nonprofit organization that he founded in 2001 and is the cofounder and senior adviser of a leadership think tank based in Ukraine. Linville regularly presents on leadership and followership topics at various national and international academic and professional conferences, including the International Leadership Association’s Annual Global Conference. He also consults with organizations and individuals both nationally and internationally.Mark A. Rennaker is chair of the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University. He served 30 years in faith-based and nonprofit leadership roles at local, regional, and national levels. He has also served a variety of leadership roles during 15 years of higher education experience, and he is certified with Ira Chaleff’s Followership Train the Trainer program. Rennaker has multiple research interests, including servant-leadership, trust, followership, and human resource development. Rennaker regularly presents on leadership, followership, and higher education topics at national and international academic and professional conferences, including the International Leadership Association’s Annual Global Conference. He consults with organizations and speaks at various events. Connect with Dr. Michael Linville and Dr. Mark Rennakerwww.purposeshipmatters.comOrder your copy of Essentials of FollowershipOrder at Kendall HuntOrder on AmazonOrder at Barnes and Noble Support the show*Sharna Fabiano is the author of Lead & Follow: The Dance of Inspired Teamwork and host of the Lead & Follow Podcast. She helps founders, solopreneurs, and new leaders build strong collaborative relationships and successful teams. Get a discounted coach session with Sharna with promo code PODCAST https://www.sharnafabiano.com/coaching/Order the book: Lead & Followhttps://www.amazon.com/Lead-Follow-Dance-Inspired-Teamwork/dp/1646632796/Support the Show!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1735834/support