Distributed Leadership
What is Distributed Leadership?
Distributed leadership (DL) is a type of leadership that involves others in the problem solving and decision making process. DL takes the decision making power away from a single individual, meaning there is no hierarchical structure of power or authority.
How do we practice Distributed Leadership? In a school that implements DL, the principal serves as a conduit between the teachers and the students whereby empowering teachers to be involved in the decision and problem solving process. As stated in the Leithwood article, “DL is stretched over the work of a number of individuals and the task is accomplished through the interaction of multiple leaders” (Spillane, 2006, p. 20). DL creates relationships and builds trusts, along with encouraging the faculty to buy-into a policy or action implemented by administration. DL also empowers others to step-up in a leadership role without feeling the pressures of insubordination.
How do we sustain Distributed Leadership? Collaboration and interaction is ongoing in …show more content…
(1) The problems with DL is that a single teacher, or someone who acts as the hero of a group of a situation or group, is the primary person who collaborates with the principal directly. The other teachers, who provided input, are seen as less significant or minor in the decision making process. In DL, all teachers must play a part in the ongoing collaboration with school administrators. (2) Leaders refrain from discussing their practices including the “what” instead of the “how” of leadership. Leaders need to illustrate how the “how” is beneficial to the school on a day-to-day basis. (3) DL should not capture the leadership of one individual. It should focus on the interactions of all. (4) Leadership can be defined as its outcomes. However, this is not the case in DL. DL is defined as outcomes based on
What is Distributed Leadership?
Distributed leadership (DL) is a type of leadership that involves others in the problem solving and decision making process. DL takes the decision making power away from a single individual, meaning there is no hierarchical structure of power or authority.
How do we practice Distributed Leadership? In a school that implements DL, the principal serves as a conduit between the teachers and the students whereby empowering teachers to be involved in the decision and problem solving process. As stated in the Leithwood article, “DL is stretched over the work of a number of individuals and the task is accomplished through the interaction of multiple leaders” (Spillane, 2006, p. 20). DL creates relationships and builds trusts, along with encouraging the faculty to buy-into a policy or action implemented by administration. DL also empowers others to step-up in a leadership role without feeling the pressures of insubordination.
How do we sustain Distributed Leadership? Collaboration and interaction is ongoing in …show more content…
(1) The problems with DL is that a single teacher, or someone who acts as the hero of a group of a situation or group, is the primary person who collaborates with the principal directly. The other teachers, who provided input, are seen as less significant or minor in the decision making process. In DL, all teachers must play a part in the ongoing collaboration with school administrators. (2) Leaders refrain from discussing their practices including the “what” instead of the “how” of leadership. Leaders need to illustrate how the “how” is beneficial to the school on a day-to-day basis. (3) DL should not capture the leadership of one individual. It should focus on the interactions of all. (4) Leadership can be defined as its outcomes. However, this is not the case in DL. DL is defined as outcomes based on