| This case study explores the construct and meaning of shared leadership as practiced by attorney partners in a department within a Professional Services Firm (PSF). A conceptual framework for uncovering the constructs of shared leadership was developed based on the literature review. The primary framework for studying leadership dimensions was developed according to organization elements defined in the Galbraith (1995) Star Model(TM) organization assessment that would lead to a micro- and macro- view of shared leadership. In addition, a central construct of culture was added to the central part of the model alongside the five examination points of the Star Model(TM).;Seven PSF partners were interviewed out of 12 potential participants in the department. Shared leadership experiences were captured via in-depth interviews, by reviewing documentation capturing their leadership practices, and through observations and personal reflections. PSF leaders identified the presence of five themes: Role clarity, Ego-management, Self-awareness, Mutual commitment to the PSF, and Operating guidelines. A cross-case analysis with Senge's (1990) Learning Organization Theory of five disciplines revealed correlational characteristics with the constructs of systems thinking, shared mental models, vision, team development, and personal mastery. These learning organization constructs helped to identify: (1) skills PSF leaders associate with sharing leadership, (2) selected experiences that contributed to the development of shared leadership and (3) the various shared leadership challenges PSF leaders have encountered in their roles.;Cultivating shared leadership supported a mutual interest in strategic collaboration among these leaders and appears to have been a winning proposition for them and their firm. The partners have developed professionally and transitioned to larger leadership roles within their organization. The department is seen as a center of excellence within it. By extension, the firm is able to attract top talent who want to be part of its unique culture. |
