Leadership Models for LNNs

There are certainly a number of organizational/leadership models you could consider using for your LNN, some of which are briefly described below.

Solo Coordinator

Being a Solo Coordinator is a common and fairly reasonable option when you’re just beginning to organize your LNN. You may be in the phase where it’s easier just to do it, rather than wait and consult with others. Or, you may be waiting for the right team to emerge. However, this model is recommended only as a temporary solution. It is not a formula for success in the long run for a number of reasons.

Co-coordinators

One of the simplest and most effective LNN organizational/leadership models is for two people to share responsibility for leading the overall organization. This kind of arrangement provides “redundancy” in case one or the other is traveling, falls ill, or is otherwise temporarily unable to act as leader. It also helps enormously with continuity if one or the other moves out of the neighborhood or is unable to continue in a leadership role. This model works especially well if the co-coordinators have complementary skills.

Steering Committee

For optimum effectiveness, we recommend that a steering committee consist of an LNN’s coordinator(s) along with LNN members handling specific functions. A steering committee can be of enormous value to LNN coordinators by providing a forum for discussion, progress reporting, and perhaps even decision making regarding LNN programs, policies, procedures, and more.

Distributed Leadership

The “Distributed Leadership” model provides an opportunity for everyone involved to contribute their skills and energy to a shared project/task/goal in a way that “distributes” the responsibility, work, and time commitment among all who participate. This is a democratic and consensus-based practice. Read more here.