Rather, my vision for a school is a place whose very mission is to ensure that students, parents, teachers and principals all become school leaders in some ways and at some times. The beginning point for sharing leadership is to view leadership as the dynamic exercise of influence in pursuit of shared goals, rather than as a position of power. The principal and parents, teachers and students, custodial staff, and community members alike view themselves as potential leaders. The cornerstone of shared leadership is a set of shared beliefs regarding the appropriate role and status of individuals within a school. Primary among these are a respect and trust for each individual's competence and potential for contributing to the good of the whole.
Efficacy builds individual responsibility , another norm underlying shared leadership.
Trust supports the value of individual initiative and a belief that proactive, not reactive, behavior is rewarded in the organization. In schools where these norms are truly operative, principals not only espouse them, they incorporate them into their own actions and behaviors and support and reward all who do likewise. If a community of leaders is to emerge within a school, a vital and inclusive community must exist. In this view shared goals and purpose are a prerequisite for shared leadership. To be compelling, goals must be specific and, most importantly in a school setting, must relate to student learning.