A shared focus of BLI programs is the ten leadership habits. We invoke the idea of habit to signal that developing effective leadership takes sustained work and routine practice – until something becomes second nature. The Habits are crafted to be general and can be practiced with increasing complexity as circumstances require. They are habits because students will internalize them through their efforts on campus and thus be able to draw on and innovate with them when they face new opportunities and unknown situations after their time at Michigan has ended. These habits and the associated content, case studies, and learning activities form the shared core of BLI programming.
Start Where You Are
Leadership is grounded in practice. Start with the skills you have now and work to develop them..
Practices: Infuse vision with values; Begin with your strengths; Challenge your weaknesses; Embrace Vulnerability
Always Ask
Genuine curiosity about people and situations lies at the heart of effective leadership. Actively learn from all you encounter.
Practices: Ask first; Start with why; Search for problems and solutions; Use “yes, and;” Cultivate active listening
Engage the World
Important decisions are frequently made with incomplete data. Look at what others have tried. Understand what your stakeholders value, identify what is needed, and act as necessary.
Practices: Explore your environment; Engage stakeholders; Make peace with ambiguity; Discern when to lead and when to follow
Build A Team
Leadership is a social activity. Challenges often require collective effort and shared vision. Assemble a versatile team to develop and realize your goals..
Practices: Work with and through others; Explore multiple leadership roles - facilitator, decision-maker, follower, mediator; Communicate the vision
Value Difference
Teams with diverse skills, knowledge, and backgrounds define better problems and find more effective solutions.
Practices: Avoid self-replication; Learn to sit with discomfort; Attend to biases; Acknowledge and remove barriers
Collect, Combine, Create
Be mindful, notice the world around you, and gather knowledge. Use existing resources to invent new solutions or reimagine established ones.
Practices: Embrace wonder; Gather and revisit sources of inspiration; Explore new ideas through creative practice
Start Small
Big goals and complex problems can seem daunting. Start with small steps. Concrete actions build alliances and momentum for your projects.
Practices: Define achievable goals; Test ideas, seek feedback, and analyze results; Situate visions in the real world
Work to Learn
Talking together is great, but working together builds trust and productive relationships. By working together continuously, you turn shared experience into shared expertise.
Practices: Take your first step with your team; Share and document insights; Attend to process and refine your approach
Expect Challenges
Situations change. Setbacks are inevitable. People act in unexpected ways. Anticipate obstacles to increase your resilience.
Practices: Identify critical points; Develop a backup plan; Approach setbacks with an open mind; Seek productive skeptics
Pause and Reflect
Intentionally slowing down, standing still, and reflecting are vital tools for progress and growth—for individuals, projects, and teams alike.
