SHARE Leadership to Solve Global Problems

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a modern example of a global catastrophe that necessitated an international response. Since the world is made up of a multitude of countries, organizations, and leaders, global solutions will inevitably require leadership sharing. There is not an individual nation, organization, or leader sufficient for a universal mitigation. A collaborative approach is necessary. As with any leadership style or method, shared leadership can be done poorly or it can be done well. When it is done well, it often leads to incredible results. This paper presents a review of a collection of the literature that exists on shared leadership. This review has surfaced five elements that are crucial for effectively sharing leadership. These can be summarized into the SHARE acronym: Strengthening relationships, Having a clear structure, Addressing problems collaboratively, Releasing information, and Enlisting diverse strengths. A more robust implementation of these five features could have led to stronger shared leadership and better outcomes in the coronavirus pandemic. Fostering these attributes in the global community will undoubtedly make the world better prepared to adequately address future crises. The human toll, economic costs, and worldwide risks at stake should encourage politicians, professionals, and people of the world to SHARE leadership.