Define distributed leadership and its benefits.

Distributed leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes the sharing of responsibilities and decision-making among staff members, rather than concentrating authority in a single leader or a small group of leaders. This model fosters a collaborative environment where various members of an organization contribute their expertise and ideas, leading to increased engagement and ownership over the outcomes of their work.

The benefits of distributed leadership include enhanced collaboration among staff, which can result in more innovative solutions and improvements in educational practices. When leadership responsibilities are shared, staff members feel empowered and valued, promoting a positive school culture. Moreover, this model encourages professional development, as staff learn from each other and grow their skill sets in the process. Ultimately, distributed leadership can lead to better decision-making, as diverse perspectives and insights are considered, leading to improved outcomes for students and staff alike.