What is it that is distinctive about “facilitative” leadership? How does it differ from the traditional forms of leadership?
A. A leader is one who takes responsibility for leading a group. Traditionally this has meant being placed in positions of authority and responsibility. The leader is expected to know what to do, the right way to do it, and have the ability, charisma, and expertise required to get the job done. What a distinguishes facilitative from the traditional managerial and bureaucratic leaders is their assumptions about themselves and the group. The facilitative leader assumes that there are diverse perspectives and view points on everything, multiple solutions to any problem, and that people in general will respond and act out of integrity and good will. This enables him/her to trust and support the wisdom of those they serve. They feel comfortable in letting go of selling or controlling others on a set of predefined results and in using consensus-based methods of decision making and planning. Groups lead by facilitative leaders typically respect and honor the wisdom and contributions of each m
