3.7.1  Choose an Organizational Structure, continued

Determine leadership style. Regardless of the type of organization or leadership type, the choice of a leader or leaders must be considered with care, since leadership will set the tone for the coalition. Leadership characteristics associated with successful implementation and maintenance of community coalitions include the following:

• An empowering style of leadership with the ability to promote equal status, encourage collaboration, and support and reward members’ efforts
• Decisionmaking skills and flexibility
• A high level of networking and visibility of membership in key community organizations and easy access to media and other needed resources
• Political effectiveness and a high level of political knowledge
• Personal competencies such as individual efficiency, high level of education, administrative skills, and interpersonal skills in negotiations, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.