Interview after interview, job performance meeting after job performance meeting....job posting after job posting....the BIG question...'What is your Leadership Style?'

What if I don't want to lead?

What if I am happy contributing and enhancing my contribution style?

What is a contribution style? How would you describe your contribution style?

I rarely.....use sports analogies but I will for this because sports announcers and coaches get it right. Often, you will hear them praise players, especially in hockey, about a player's individual effort or contribution during a play or a game. And athletes are okay with their individual effort contributing to the success of the team....they don't need to be, or want to be a Captain or Assistant Captain.

So how is it in the work world we are obsessed with everyone having to be a LEADER?

What if we developed people to be great contributors who recognize and develop their contribution style?

• Being consistent in how they show-up and support the team
• Supporting new team members
• Providing respectful feedback
• Displaying a solid commitment to life-long learning
• Striving to understand the values of the people they work with to improve relationships and results

Organizations want to label you as a leader and have you enhance your leadership skills because it is a way for them to squeeze more work, ideas, thoughts, and content from you for the same money. Your current skill sets, life-long learning journey, and your vision for your fulfillment at work and in life should be enough.

What would you rather be, a leader or a solid and consistent contributor? I'd love to hear your thoughts.