When we think of “leaders,” iconic individuals often come to mind. But true leadership, the kind that builds sustainable success, is rarely a solo performance. While a strong vision is vital, its realization depends on a team. As obvious as it sounds, this fundamental truth, leadership is a team sport, seems lost on some who occupy leadership roles.

Contrasting Leadership Styles: The “Solo Act” vs. The “Team Player”

Consider the “solo act” leader. This archetype often drives their agenda with minimal regard for diverse input, may threaten unilateral action to get their way, and can easily disregard or discard team members who don’t perfectly align. Their focus can appear to be on personal victory or validating their own singular vision. How engaged would a team be under such leadership? How likely would they be to offer discretionary effort or bring their best, most creative ideas to the table when their input is devalued or their primary role is simply to execute top-down commands? This style can create a climate of fear or disengagement, ultimately hindering an organization’s potential.

Now, contrast this with a leader like Reid Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn. Hoffman consistently credits his mentors and team members for successes. He embodies a leader who recognizes their place on and in service of the team. His approach, as he writes in “The Start-Up Of You,” is about helping others first, building relationships constantly, not just when something is needed. This style fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and unleashes collective intelligence.

The Impact on Your SMB: Especially in Technology and Innovation

In a Small or Medium-Sized Business (SMB), where agility and leveraging every talent are critical, a “solo act” leadership style can be particularly detrimental, especially when it comes to complex areas like IT strategy and innovation.

• Effective technology solutions require diverse input; from users, from different departments, from technical experts. A leader who doesn’t foster a “team sport” approach will likely miss critical insights.
• Implementing new IT systems or driving digital transformation requires broad buy-in and collaborative effort. A top-down, unilateral approach often meets resistance and fails to achieve its goals.

As a fractional CIO, my role is to facilitate this “team sport” approach to technology. We work with your leadership and your teams to co-create IT strategies that are robust, well-supported, and aligned with your overall business objectives.

What’s Next

Leadership is meant to be a collaborative endeavor. People thrive and deliver their best when engaged by leaders who recognize this. Over time, leaders who play as part of a bigger team, who empower and uplift those around them, consistently achieve greater, more sustainable success. You simply can’t do impactful leadership alone.

Is your SMB’s leadership fostering a “team sport” culture, or does it sometimes feel like a “solo act”? If you’re looking for a strategic partner to help you build a more collaborative approach to your IT leadership and decision-making, let’s connect with Succeed Sooner Consulting.