- **relational leadership** is a relational and ethical process of people, together, attempting to achieve positive [[change]].
- relational leadership is ethical and grounded in the values of the organization, empowering of all in the group including oneself, and inclusive of all both internal and external to the organization and understanding, engaging, and valuing diverse viewpoints. it is focused on building a shared vision and seeking common ground in order to facilitate the positive change the group is committed to. it is also, lastly, process-oriented: the process of the group is just as important as the group's desired goal or outcome, and intentionality is treated as crucial to the process.[^1]
- a relational leader:
  - creates commitment through participation,
  - recognizes how teamwork plays a key role,
  - manages politics within team and outside of group, and
  - works within existing structure and culture.
- implementation of relational leadership might involve reframing typical tasks. as an example, for planning an agenda and holding a meeting, one might:
  - take time to get through topics, rather than rush,
  - involve the most people in the agenda,
  - empower voices usually excluded,
  - make fair decisions,
  - involve others in building agenda, and
  - use collaborative practices.
- one could also change the mode of decision-making to be more collaborative. rather than a mode where issues are voted on with little discussion - and consequently, a majority winning while a minority is left dissatisfied - one might:
  - involve everyone and hear everyone's views before determining a resolution,
  - present an issue and break into small groups to discuss,
  - identify questions or major considerations in small groups before reconvening as a larger group, and
  - encourage everyone's involvement and participation in the process.
## References

[^1] Susan R Komives, Nance Lucas, and Timothy R McMahon, Exploring Leadership: For College Students Who Want to Make a Difference (San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass, 2009).