We often associate leadership with an individual, but there are situations where the top positions are shared — along with the responsibilities, decisions, and accountability that comes with them. A lot of focus has been on the ups and downs of high-profile co-CEOs and co-founders — think Salesforce, Netflix, Goldman Sachs, Oracle, SAP, and Warby Parker. But co-leadership is also practiced within business units, divisions, and projects, especially after acquisitions, when there’s a perceived need for representation of both groups.
How Co-Leaders Succeed
Seven strategies for performing this role with integrity, intelligence, and positivity.
February 22, 2024
Summary.
Co-leadership, where an executive, department, or team leadership role is shared, can result in more creative and strategic problem solving and wiser decision making. But it can also lead to unhealthy game playing in the pursuit of dominance and positioning for the next role, resulting in organizational misalignment, inertia, and confusion. It doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to become a political animal who spends their days looking to outmaneuver their co-leader. Instead, perform this role with integrity, canniness, and positivity, recognizing that it will feel uncomfortable at times. These seven strategies will increase your chances of making your co-leadership a success.
New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.