Whether it is used depends often upon the situation, the expertise or skills required, and the willingness and capacity to exercise that leadership. Responsible leadership means building independence within the workforce, i.e., the ability to make decisions and solve problems at the lowest level possible. Responsible leadership means fostering interdependence between teams, suppliers, and customers. Responsible leadership results in the lines and walls disappearing between silos, departments, levels, and perceived degrees of power. Responsible leadership values integrity and credibility.
Every effort is made to walk the talk, and then to teach the walk.
Results still matter, but they are results in terms of business performance, relationship effectiveness, and the company's reputation. Based on the core values of ownership, alignment, respect, and responsibility, collaborative leaders are facilitative rather than authoritative. Their goal is to increase the level of self-trust in every member of the workforce, to tap into their hidden productivity, to release their full potential, and to build a strong sense of ownership of the business. They engage the workforce in making critical business decisions, and solving business problems. The collaborative leader understands that people drive the business rather than technology, strategy, finance, or shareholders.