Why leadership doesn't always need a title!

Why having the "C"on your jersey doesn't always mean what you think!

Yesterday I was having a conversation with someone about leadership skills. I was trying to get a point across that you don't need the title to be a true leader. It reminded me of a story about my son that I shared. I would love to hear what you think. 

A few years ago my son was playing hockey. He was so excited, his best friend was on his team this year. The day came when the players were going to vote for who they wanted as their Captain and Assistant Captains. The kids all voted and the coach added up all the votes. You guessed it my son won! He was super excited and so happy. That is until the most unbelievable thing happened. His best friend got totally upset and lost it in front of the whole team. He said he was never going to play hockey if he couldn't be captain. 

The coach didn't know what to do! We all left the arena really stunned at what just happened. 

The coach called later that night to let us know what he was going to do. The next practice he was going to have another vote just between the two boys. I was really upset. My son and I talked about how this vote would divide the team between 2 camps at the beginning of a new year, destroying team spirit that is essential to the team and the game! 

Then I asked my son what the letter actually meant to him. He told me that it stood for the leader of the team , picked by the team. I asked him what if he gave up the letter on his jersey to the other boy. 

He said but mom that means I'm not the captain. 

I told him no, at this stage it is just a letter. The team already picked their Captain....it's you! He just gets to wear the letter on his jersey. At this stage... Everyone in that dressing room will know who the true leader was. My son called his coach and told him what he had decided to do.  

My son had the best year ever and really shone as a true leader even without the "C" on his jersey!