LEADERSHIP THROUGH COMMITTEE
Leadership is all about HAVING A VISION and motivating people to share that vision and work towards achieving the goal set. But there should be only ONE VISION. The lack of a clear and a singular vision will most likely result in bad alignment, fragmented efforts, and personal agendas driving the organization, instead of the best interest of the customers and the organization. Having a recognized vision will encourage confidence and promote trust within the organization.
Leadership by committee poses problems to this singular vision. When the organization is large, like a country, leadership committees are helpful. However, in smaller organizations, these committees might not be a very good idea.
Every committee has diversity within it which hampers decision making. Every person in the committee will have different ideas and views as to how to go about a problem. As far as long term decisions are concerned, these committees can sit together and discuss how to get it done.
However, certain problems like customer related issues need to be addressed immediately. Problems like these are not often sensitive to long debates about vision and direction. In such cases a single leader or Monocratic Leadership is called for.
Hence, in issues where immediate action is called for, leadership through committee is not a very good idea. Furthermore, smaller organizations should avoid such committees as it will only hamper its growth. Singular leadership should be the standard to rally such organizations and problems.