Despite the lack of evidence supporting the direct effects of shared leadership on student achievement, there is evidence that shared leadership may have very positive effects on school culture variables that, in turn, affect student achievement. These indirect effects are sufficient to make shared decision making a worthwhile school reform effort. One problem with implementing shared leadership, however, is defining what shared leadership looks like in practice. In this study, a panel of experts reached consensus on critical elements of effective shared leadership. These elements may be used in planning, implementing, and evaluating shared leadership in schools and districts. (Contains 1 table.)