Embracing the benefits of shared leadership

We look at why managers should consider adopting shared leadership within their organisations to foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and innovation

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Business News Daily 

What is shared leadership?

Shared leadership within business management entails the collective influence of multiple leaders in shaping strategy and executing its implementation. According to research, shared leadership is characterised by the decentralised distribution of power and influence among a group of individuals, rather than being centralised under a single dominant figure assuming a superior role.

Shared vs. traditional leadership

Shared leadership diverges from the conventional vertical hierarchy management approach. In vertical management, individuals in management positions primarily hold decision-making responsibilities, while those in subordinate roles typically have limited input in the decision-making process.

Shared leadership involves a collaborative approach where one person remains in charge, but power and influence are distributed among the group. This may entail granting individuals more autonomy over decisions related to their roles or adopting an open-door policy where everyone’s ideas are equally valued and considered. For shared leadership to effectively function within a team, it requires a cohesive environment with clearly defined goals and a robust culture of mutual support

Why is shared leadership important?

Shared leadership often leads to better organisational performance because it encourages and values personal initiative. When employees feel empowered to do what they know they need to do instead of waiting to be told, productivity and job satisfaction increase. Goals become more personal to them, and people naturally work harder at anything in which they’re personally invested.

How to develop shared leadership

Transparency plays a vital role in fostering employee trust and satisfaction within an organisation. When all employees are informed about the company’s situation, goals, and perspective, it promotes alignment and unity across the board. Valuable insights and innovative ideas often emerge from individuals engaged in day-to-day operations, as they possess firsthand experience and are quick to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, empowering individual worker autonomy, where feasible, allows employees the freedom to make decisions pertaining to their work, further enhancing engagement and productivity.