Frequently Asked Questions About Collaborative Leadership

What is collaborative leadership?

Collaborative leadership embraces a process in which people with different views and perspectives come together, set aside narrow self-interests, and discuss issues openly and supportively in an attempt to find ways of helping each other solve a larger problem or achieve broader goals. It is an evidence-based strategy that has proven particularly effective in public health planning that involves multiple stakeholders who share a common interest. (Read more.)

What are the six key principles of collaborative leadership presented in the Learning Modules?

1. Assessing the environment for collaboration: Understanding the context for change before you act
   
2. Developing clarity through visioning and mobilizing: Defining shared values and engaging people in positive action
   
3. Developing trust and creating safety: Creating safe places for developing shared purpose and action
   
4. Sharing power and influence: Developing the synergy of people, organizations, and communities to accomplish more
   
5. Developing people through mentoring and coaching: Committing to the development of people to maximize learning experiences
   
6. Self reflection and personal CQI: Understanding one’s own leadership attributes, pursuing one’s personal Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and engaging others

How can I tell if I'm a collaborative leader?

Download complete the six collaborative leadership self-assessment questionnaires.

Where can I find out more about collaborative leadership?

Read one of these resources.

How can I learn to use collaborative leadership?

Participate in a workshop on collaborative leadership.

A grant requires that I use collaborative leadership. How should I describe it in my grant request?

Collaborative Leadership materials and resources developed by Turning Point have been found to support grant proposals that feature partnerships and complex problem solving across sectors. Read a sample grant proposal excerpt that features Turning Point’s Collaborative Leadership model.

What other organizations have used the training materials?

• The National Association of Local Boards of Health
• Vision for Children at Risk (St. Louis)
• The Interfaith Health Program at Emory University
• The Institute for Economic Development at Clemson University
• Public Health Futures Illinois
• The Northeast Regional Public Health Leadership Institute
• University of South Carolina
• Colorado Department of public Health and Environment