Where great leadership is who you are, not just what you do.
At RMIT, leadership is more than a role. It’s a mindset. It’s about who you are, how you show up, and the difference you make every day.
RMIT’s Leadership Model defines what great leadership looks like at RMIT. It reflects our shared understanding of the mindsets and behaviours that drive success across our community. It’s about empowering leaders who live our values, inspire others and create environments where everyone can thrive.
Hear from our leaders
Discover how RMIT's leadership model empowers individuals to lead with authenticity, purpose, and action.
The RMIT Leadership Model: Be, Know, Do
Our model is built on a simple but powerful framework: Be, Know, Do. It describes the behaviours, knowledge and actions that enable great leadership at RMIT. It’s a guide for leaders to reflect, grow and lead with purpose every day.
Be
At the heart of our leadership model lies the essence of being a leader. Leaders are open and transparent, laying the foundation of trust and collaboration. As role models, they communicate effectively, embodying inclusion, authenticity and presence. They empower those around them, and nurture an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and motivated to contribute their best.
Know
Knowledge is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Through self-awareness, RMIT leaders recognise their impact on others and continuously develop their strengths and knowledge. Our leaders harness institutional and sector knowledge using a strong grasp of our strategic priorities to align efforts with RMIT’s strategic vision. They identify key stakeholders – students, staff, colleagues and team members, partners, and community members – building meaningful relationships, and navigate change with agility and resilience.
Do
Our leaders act, establishing operating rhythms, structures and workflows that drive success. They set clear expectations, providing their teams with guidance, direction and clarity. By providing regular feedback and recognition, RMIT Leaders foster an environment of psychological safety, growth and accountability. Their commitment to developing themselves and others enhances individual and team performance, cultivating a culture where continuous improvement is the norm.
Leading for the future
To equip our leaders for the future, RMIT has identified four adaptive competencies that will shape our leadership focus in the coming years. These help our leaders drive excellence, innovation and impact in an evolving world.
- Ensures accountability
- Promotes vision and purpose
- Instils trust
- Communicates effectively
These competencies guide how we develop, recruit and support leaders across RMIT.
Grounded in RMIT Values
RMIT’s Leadership Model is underpinned by RMIT’s values: courage, passion, impact, integrity, imagination and inclusion. It also reflects our commitment to Responsible Practice.
Together, these define what leadership means at RMIT – to lead with authenticity, inspire with purpose, and make a positive difference in our communities and the world.
Lead with us
If you’re a values-driven leader who wants to make an impact, to empower others, innovate with purpose and shape the future of education, RMIT is a place where you can grow, lead and make a real difference.
Your impact starts here
Discover how we support our people to grow, belong and thrive. From bold ideas to real-world impact, discover what makes RMIT a place where your difference is your edge, and your career can shape the future.
