"Collective leadership" is when employees take direction from more than 1 person. 

Examples -

• Matrix organizations - when people have direct & dotted line reporting relationships 
• Cross functional work - when projects and teamwork cross silo boundaries 
• Change management - when new processes cross silo boundaries 
• Problem solving - when solutions require cross-functional alignment 

"Collective leadership" requires leaders up, down, and across the org to synchronize their leadership actions.  

What needs to be synchronized? 

1. Leadership definition - each leader takes the same responsibility  
2. Leadership narrative - each leader sends the same message 
3. Leadership outcomes - each leader pursues the same result  
4. Leadership values - each leader behaves to the same standards 
5. Leadership competencies - each leader takes a similar approach