ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of the physical body in distributed leadership theory and social identity theory. I explore and evaluate the premise that bodies and body performances are a central part of leadership: women’s bodies and bodily leadership are perceived differently from those of men and can bring a positive and different model of leadership from a heroic style. The second part of the chapter, in the form of an embodied case study, reinforces the theory of “intersubjectivity” through my own experience. Flesh goes beyond perception; it is the way in which my entire sense of being is created—a person’s interaction with the world. I conclude that women’s experience of leadership, especially within the church, exemplifies the hiddenness of male bodies in leadership. Women’s bodies continue to be sexualized and their leadership roles questioned purely in their representation as “other”. Women can provide a different model from heroic leadership style. The Church of England as an organization must encourage images and texts that promote female as leader and develop policies and training that counteract its sexism.
