When people think about leadership, they might picture one person who’s the face of the organization, often the president, CEO or executive director. But the truth is, the best results don’t come from one leader, they come from a team that leads together.
Shared leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy. It’s about tapping into the strengths around you and creating the kind of culture where leadership is a team sport. When leadership is shared, people don’t just wait to be told what to do; they step up, own their role and make things happen.
Shared leadership starts with distributed authority. Not every decision needs to come from the top. In fact, most good decisions don’t, and the best decisions often come from the people closest to the work. Whether it’s a team member leading a new program, a board member driving a strategic shift or a partner stepping up to collaborate on a solution, we make better progress when people are trusted to lead initiatives that are aligned with their strengths.
Shared leadership also builds adaptability. When authority is dispersed, people are more likely to take the time they need, whether it’s a sick day, vacation or extended leave, because they trust the team has them covered. And when others step up to fill gaps, they grow in the process.
The key is alignment. Different challenges call for different skill sets. Shared leadership means intentionally connecting people with work that fits them best. When that happens, performance improves, and so does job satisfaction.
It also shifts the tone of the workplace. Done right, shared leadership builds trust. When you know your team values your strengths and has your back, you’re more likely to take risks, speak up, and go above and beyond.
This model isn’t just good for today; it’s a foundation for long-term success. Shared leadership develops future leaders, reduces bottlenecks and strengthens succession planning. If team members are used to making decisions, championing initiatives and (most importantly) failing, they are more likely to see themselves within the future of the organization, and grow alongside it.
When more people are empowered to lead, the organization moves faster, stays flexible and attracts top talent. It boosts ownership, which brings energy and creativity. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team or building community partnerships, shared leadership is a long-term strategy for getting better results and retaining better people. And when that ownership is backed by clear expectations and trust, you get stronger outcomes, and a stronger culture.
And when it’s working, you feel it. People show up differently. They bring ideas. They lean in. They lead.
That’s the kind of team I want to be part of.
Jeff Dupont is CEO of Durango Chamber of Commerce.
