“If you want to push then I'm ready to push, but if you’re pulling while I'm pushing then why'd you ask me to push?”
-Aesop Rock
In a culture of leaders and leader wanna-be’s what does it mean to be a team player? It means everyone, regardless of role or title, is willing to get a little dirty.
It’s my philosophy that leaders and followers are all committed to a similar ideal, product or team. Their roles within that structure might be different but they have all submitted their ego to something larger than themselves and in giving themselves to the goal they will do whatever it takes to succeed. Even if that means letting go.
Some people strive for leadership because they want people to follow them and, by my definition, that person isn’t a true leader. Who wants to follow someone whose goal is to simply have followers? The leader needs to provide a vision beyond themselves and demonstrate their commitment. By giving themselves to the goal, submitting to it, they lead by example.
Even if your natural state is in a leadership role, try stepping back when someone is more qualified than yourself to take the reins. Let the people around you supply answers, give them space to succeed and let them provide answers and inspiration. There is power in releasing control. As a leader you can choose when and how to submit to your team. Allow yourself to be led.