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. When such goals are held in common throughout the school community, individuals at all levels are motivated and energized to exercise leadership toward attainment of the goals. Compelling goals generate commitment, and individual commitment is essential to both true community and effective leadership.
School administrators are instrumental to the emergence of shared leadership.
However, administrators who would promote shared leadership facilitate a shift in the roles and self-concepts of individuals throughout the organization by assuring that supporting norms and shared goals are effectively and continuously communicated throughout the broader community. Additionally, they value free and open communication of information and viewpoints between and among all community members. Likewise, facilitative administrators provide time and opportunities for members of the community to inquire together regarding ways and means of reaching shared goals. Improving schools from within . Choosing service over self-interest .