The most effective partnership leaders have the following skills and competencies:

• An inclusive, welcoming manner. Leaders set the tone for welcoming new members and for bringing them onto the team. They take the time to orient new members and urge them to take on active roles.

• Excellent communication skills. Leaders take complex materials and make them understandable to all audiences.

• Group facilitation skills. Leaders conduct meetings so that all members can contribute but no member is allowed to dominate. They follow the agenda, move through a constructive problem-solving process, and make decisions, as needed.

• Conflict resolution skills. Excellent leaders appreciate the benefits of conflict, since conflict is a regular part of what happens in team meetings. They see conflict as an opportunity, rather than a problem to be avoided. They identify the various self-interests, see the common ground, and help to seek compromises.

• An ability to share the spotlight. Leaders leave their egos at the door and are able to share the glory and spotlight with other team members from the school and community.

• Trustworthiness. Leaders engender trust in those with whom they work. They are reliable, prompt, honest, and true to their word.

Leaders bring energy and hope to their teams through both their style and their skill. It is rare to find one individual with all of these assets. Sometimes partnerships function well with co-leaders who have complementary skills.

Adapted from Wolff, T. (2000). Coalition Leadership. Amherst, MA: Area Health Education Center/Community Partners.