There’s a stark difference between a team leader and a team player.
Team players are good at being where they are supposed to be and doing what they are supposed to do. They execute well, play out their role on the team, follow the game plan and are technically solid. In short, you can depend on them to get the job done.
That said, all these valuable attributes don’t make someone a team leader.
Team leaders have that necessary, additional ability to see an opening – spot the opportunity – and engage the team players in capitalizing on that opportunity. As the business landscape changes in front of your company, leaders have their heads up. They’re always alert and watching for that next opening that will take your team to the next level.
So here’s the question. Going into 2013, do you have players or leaders on your leadership team?
If you have players, don’t fire them! You really need them to execute and run the plays. You also need a leadership team with real leaders if you want to advance your business to the next level.
