This study finds that current Mauritian school leadership practice, at least in the sampled schools, is focused on the formal leader and ignores the leadership capacity and potential that exists throughout the school. “Morally and practically, the emphasis on the leader is inappropriate and needs to be replaced by recognition of leadership as a collective capacity that is reflected in structures, processes and relationships” (West-Burnham, 2004, p 1). Teams are likely to be a powerful way of developing potential and capacity. The most prominent feature is that of teams communicating laterally and their closeness to internal and external stakeholders (Lycke, 2003). Teams can be viewed “as nurseries where there are abundant opportunities to develop and learn the artistry of leadership in a secure and supportive environment” (West-Burnham, 2004, p 5).