Team Leadership

While there might be no I in Team, is there a need for a leader?

While watching Kevin Costner’s “For Love of the Game” I am reminded how the accomplishment of an individual brings out the best of the team and helps define the role and responsibility of leadership. As pitcher Billy Chapel is second guessing his ability to accomplish the Holy Grail of pitching, a No-Hitter, his catcher Gus reassures him that he has the support of the team.

Gus Sinki offers comfort with the following, “The boys are all here for ya, we'll back you up, we'll be there, cause, Billy, we don't stink right now. We're the best team in baseball, right now, right this minute, because of you. You're the reason. We're not gonna screw that up, we're gonna be awesome for you right now. Just throw.” While the outcome of this game was determined by a screenwriter, there have been moments where the success of the leader brings out the success of the team.

I am starting to believe that there is a time and place that a leader will emerge and help set the vision and pace for success. So which came first…the identification of the leader or success defining leadership?

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