She Leads Because She Can
We believe that there is a need to provide support for female school leaders, who want to thrive and grow within international school settings.
In this series of fortnightly podcasts, we share our own lived experiences and the hard-hitting realities which have shaped us as successful leaders within the sector.
Each podcast forms a topical conversation which is experienced-based; sharing truths, sound council and suggested solutions.
We aim to be a source of courage, confidence and practical solutions to keep others ' leading because they can'.
She Leads Because She Can
#10 Co-leadership: you don't need to do it alone
This episode of "She Leads Because She Can" delves into the transformative power of co-leadership, exploring how two leaders can unite to create outcomes that exceed what either could achieve individually.
Key Themes
The Foundation of True Partnership
The episode examines how genuine co-leadership emerges when two leaders share a common intention and work together as equal partners. This goes beyond traditional hierarchical models to create a collaborative dynamic where both leaders contribute fully to the shared vision.
Synergy Through Complementary Strengths
The discussion highlights how co-leaders can leverage each other's unique strengths to generate synergy—where the combined impact is greater than the sum of individual contributions. This requires both leaders to lean in 100% while remaining sensitive to their partner's direction and approach.
The Leadership Dance
A central concept explored is the fluid nature of co-leadership roles, described as a "dance" where leadership and followership shift naturally between partners depending on the situation. This flexible dynamic allows for responsive leadership that adapts to circumstances while maintaining the partnership's integrity.
Practical Applications
The episode provides concrete examples of how co-leadership can be implemented within organisations, showing how this approach enables leaders to:
- Take calculated risks with greater confidence
- Set more ambitious goals
- Experience reduced stress through shared responsibility
- Maintain higher levels of engagement and awareness
The Mutual Support System
The discussion emphasises how co-leadership creates a supportive environment where leaders know "someone has our back." This security enables greater risk-taking and innovation, while the responsibility to provide the same support keeps leaders more alert and engaged in their partnership.
Key Takeaway
Co-leadership isn't just about sharing duties—it's about creating a relationship-based approach to leadership that amplifies both leaders' capabilities while fostering an environment of mutual support, shared accountability, and enhanced organisational outcomes.