Collaborative leadership happens when diverse people with different perspectives come together to solve community problems. No single individual or organization or sector has the knowledge and resources to solve tough community problems. Solutions to complex issues, such as affordable housing, at-risk youth and families, and neighborhood safety, require the collective input and resources of a wide range of citizens and organizations. Leadership has been hierarchical and those at the top have assumed that they knew what is best for everybody else. The people most affected by a problem have not necessarily been included in the efforts to solve the problem.
Collaborative leadership is inclusive and nonhierarchical.
Collaborative leadership trusts the collective wisdom of the group over the charisma of the individual leader. This is not to say that it is an approach without strong leaders. Quite the opposite. Leading diverse people who have very different perspectives to make decisions and take action demands capable and visionary leadership. The flexibility to react as circumstances change and opportunities emerge.