How to Create a Culture of Collaborative Leadership

The world financial slump has contributed to a reality that economic and business are noticeably having to adjust to. The economic structures have collapsed and the world is trying to adapt to change. The different leadership styles that have been adopted have proven to be insufficient and maybe inappropriate for this generation. In the Industrial era, leadership was predominantly authoritative, hierarchical and very much contingent on the superior authority in charge. The leader had total control over decisions, information and operations. The route to leadership for the average worker was hard work with hope of recognition, rewards and promotion.

Due to the development of the Internet which gives access of information to everybody has made changes to business and social structures, and the authoritative leadership model is no longer effective. Both public and private entities recognize that there is a need for a different approach in order to adapt to the times and confront complex issues. The linear structures have to give way to a collaborative approach. Today’s successful approach is collaborative leadership.

Let us define collaborative leadership, and how it responds to change. Obviously organizations must go with the flow of change and take a lead, By creating a culture of collaboration within the organization, leaders will find most answers can be discovered by talking with the workers themselves. By creating a safe environment for the workers with trust, openness, and appreciation, these ideas are able to freely flow.. Ideas can be generated with the best minds and right talent put together. It is far better to draw on the ideas and resources of the whole team, than rely on only one point of view. Instead of being authoritarian and in total control, a leader can facilitate open exchange of ideas and encourage collaboration. Through encouraing collaboration , the leader provides a venue where all can participate in creative discussion and sharing of solutions.
The workforce of today’s generation is looking for a channel to share ideas, and show their leadership abilities. By listening to everyone’s perspective, a leader can boost the morale of the team. The best ideas can be drawn out when the leader understands and acknowledges everyone’s individual strengths This will then pave the way for a new way of doing things – working collaboratively – and will ensure business results being achieved.

Leaders will face the choice between when to lead and when to relinquish control to encourage everyone to collaborate. However, you have to be aware that changing leadership styles is never easy and cannot be done overnight. The bottom line is that we need to understand that it is by working and leading collaboratively that recovery from our economic challenges is possible. Ultimately, creating a culture of collaboration will always be worth it.