Personal reflections on early learning in shared leadership

Shared leadership involves a process as well as a structure. Two key principles apply to all forms of shared leadership: a commitment to true partnership and a decision-making structure that allows for balance of power. In this article, the author shares her personal experience of facilitating a shared leadership model for staff on a unit level and also an executive model of shared leadership. The executive model was implemented during a transition after a traditional nursing leadership position was vacated. Lessons learned in facilitating a staff shared leadership model and participating in an executive model are discussed and contrasted. Relationships, dialogue, partnership, and an understanding of boundaries are essential elements for successful implementation of shared leadership at any level.