Distributed Leadership

What is Distributed Leadership (DL)?

Distributed leadership is about recognizing that leadership isn’t confined to a title or position. It’s when leadership responsibilities are shared among a group, where people step up based on their strengths and expertise rather than waiting for direction from the top. Instead of one person making all the calls, everyone has a role in driving things forward, collaborating to make better decisions and solve problems together. It’s more about collective effort and less about a hierarchy, creating an environment where leadership naturally flows to those best suited for the challenge at hand.

Why do I like DL?

I love how it taps into the strengths of everyone on the team. No single person has to carry the weight of leadership alone, and that creates a more inclusive and empowered environment. It encourages collaboration and makes room for diverse ideas and solutions, which usually leads to better decisions. Plus, it helps people grow and develop their leadership skills in real-time because they’re trusted to step up when needed. It’s a system that builds trust, accountability, and resilience in teams and to me, that’s what  makes it a really effective leadership approach-there is active participation from people who have bought in.

What are some potential pitfalls with using DL?

While distributed leadership has a lot of benefits, there are some challenges to be mindful of. One potential pitfall is the risk of unclear roles and responsibilities—if it’s not clear who’s in charge of what, things can get messy or decisions can be delayed. Another issue is that not everyone may feel comfortable stepping into leadership roles or taking initiative, especially if they’re used to a more traditional, top-down structure. This can sometimes create imbalance or confusion in a team. Also, without strong communication and coordination, there’s a risk of misalignment where different parts of the team might move in conflicting directions. That’s why it’s important to establish clear communication channels and make sure everyone understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture. As the leader using this leadership approach you must always be mindful  that while you widely distribute your authority, you can never abdicate  your responsibility. In other words, you can’t set and forget your people because you alone, remain responsible for the outcome(s).

How have I used it?

I’ve implemented distributed leadership to empower teachers, students, and staff to take initiative and lead in areas they’re passionate about. For example, I supported a teacher who recognized the need to improve school culture by allowing them to form a committee of staff and students to collaborate on solutions. I’ve also approved teacher requests to conduct internal professional development sessions for their colleagues, fostering peer learning. Additionally, I encouraged and provided logistical support for students who wanted to create and lead a digital school-news broadcast club, giving them the tools and space to take ownership of the project.