Building a community with communal leadership

What is communal leadership? 

This is a style of leadership that emphasises collaboration, shared goals, and mutual support within a community.

And it is this community aspect that separates communal leadership from collaborative and inclusive leadership styles, which have some similarities. 

Communal leadership focuses on building strong relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging collective decision-making.

It is focused on the collective wellbeing of the organisation and is committed to building a community. This approach values the input and contributions of all members, aiming to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

The top five traits of a communal leader 

There are a few personality traits that communal leaders need: 

• Top communication skills: Clearly conveying ideas and listening actively and with empathy. 
• Community-focused: You prioritise the wellbeing and development of the whole community. 
• Shared responsibility: You distribute leadership among your team, so everyone contributes to decision-making. 
• Supportiveness: Providing help and encouragement to others. 
• Visionary: Having a clear idea of the future and inspiring others to work towards it. 

Why communal leadership works 

Communal leadership is particularly effective in organisations that prioritise collaboration and inclusivity.  

It works well in non-profits, community organisations, educational institutions, and companies with a strong focus on teamwork and employee engagement. This leadership style is also beneficial in creative industries, where diverse ideas and collective brainstorming are crucial for innovation. 

Government leaders can be communal leaders, with a prime example being Nelson Mandela. As he led South Africa out of apartheid he emphasised the wellbeing of the entire nation and was strong on building a sense of community, 

The benefits of communal leadership are: 

• Enhanced collaboration: The style encourages teamwork and collective problem-solving. 
• Increased engagement: Members feel more involved and committed to the organisation. 
• Diverse perspectives: It incorporates a variety of viewpoints, leading to better decisions. 
• Stronger relationships: Communal leadership builds trust and camaraderie among members. 
• Inclusive environment: It ensures everyone has a voice and feels valued. 
• Shared responsibility: By distributing tasks and responsibilities it reduces the risk of burnout for staff. 

The challenges of communal leadership

It does come with its challenges. Here are some you should consider: 

• Decision-making delays: Consensus-building can take time and put off key decisions.
• Conflict management: Diverse opinions can lead to disagreements. 
• Leadership ambiguity: Shared leadership can sometimes lack clear direction. 
• Resource allocation: Balancing the needs and wants of all members can be challenging. 
• Maintaining engagement: Keeping everyone motivated and involved requires a lot of effort. 

Does communal leadership suit you? 

If you are empathetic, a good communicator, and enjoy fostering a sense of community, this leadership style could be a great fit.

Communal leadership might suit you if you enjoy working with others, value diverse perspectives, and believe in the power of collective action.  

However, if you prefer making quick decisions independently or find managing group dynamics challenging, you might face some difficulties with this approach. 

This style is all about bringing people together, valuing everyone's input, and working towards shared goals. It has its strengths and challenges, but for those who thrive in collaborative environments, it can be a highly rewarding approach.

However, if this style is not for you or your organisation, take a look at other leadership styles that might suit you better. 

Discover more about communal leadership: 

Can communal leadership benefit men more than women?