Leadership

Working across boundaries requires a special type of leadership. In contrast to exercising authority by taking unilateral action (a command-and-control model of leadership), people who catalyze and coordinate successful regional efforts must possess characteristics that resonate across jurisdictions, sectors, disciplines, and cultures. These "collaborative leaders" invite people to take ownership of a shared vision and values, and they work hard to bridge differences and nourish relationships. Collaborative leaders create legitimacy, credibility, and capacity. They may come from any sector. The leadership skills needed for effective regional collaboration also change over time, as illustrated by the following chart: