Shared leadership
Shared
leadership,
also known as distributed leadership, is a leadership approach in which
leadership responsibilities and influence are distributed among multiple
individuals or teams within an organization, rather than being concentrated in
a single hierarchical leader or a few top executives. In a shared leadership
model, leadership is seen as a collective effort involving various members of
the organization, and authority is distributed based on expertise, skills, and
the specific context of the task or project.
Key
characteristics of shared leadership include:
- Collaboration: Shared
leadership emphasizes collaboration and teamwork among individuals or
teams. It encourages open communication and the sharing of ideas and
expertise.
- Decentralization:
Decision-making authority is distributed across different levels of the
organization or among various team members. This allows for greater
adaptability and responsiveness to changing circumstances.
- Expertise-Based: Leadership
roles are often assigned based on individuals' expertise and competencies
in specific areas. The person with the relevant knowledge or skills takes
the lead in a particular domain.
- Shared
Accountability:
In shared leadership, team members are collectively responsible for the
outcomes of their work. Accountability is distributed among those
involved.
- Flexibility: Shared
leadership models are often flexible and adaptable, allowing for different
leaders to emerge depending on the situation or project.
- Empowerment: Shared
leadership empowers individuals throughout the organization, giving them a
sense of ownership and responsibility for their work and the
organization's success.
- Inclusivity: It promotes
inclusivity by involving a broader range of perspectives and voices in
decision-making processes.
- Continuous
Learning:
Shared leadership encourages continuous learning and skill development, as
individuals may take on different leadership roles over time.
Shared
leadership can manifest in various ways within an organization. For example, it
can involve cross-functional teams working collaboratively on projects, with
leadership roles rotating based on the project's needs. It can also extend to
leadership at different levels, with middle managers and even front-line
employees taking on leadership responsibilities within their areas of
expertise.
The
goal of shared leadership is to leverage the collective skills and knowledge of
the organization to achieve better decision-making, innovation, and overall
performance. While it may not replace traditional hierarchical leadership
entirely, it complements it by allowing organizations to tap into the diverse
talents of their workforce and adapt to complex and dynamic challenges.