It was a big step for my daughter, Bianca, filled with exciting new experiences.

It was a big step for my daughter, Bianca, filled with exciting new experiences.

Recently, I watched her captain her volleyball team at their first out-of-state tournament.

There was…

Travel to a new city.

Sleepover at a hotel together.

Team breakfasts and activities.

All was good until the matches started.

Her team lost each of the 3 matches on the tournament’s first day.

The girls progressively lost confidence and energy.

As captain, Bianca faced her own set of challenges.

After the tough losses, I spoke with her about the next day’s matches.

I asked what she could do to help the team snap out of it.

But she seemed unsure about her role as captain.

She understood she was responsible for the coin toss.

And speaking with the referee on matters pertaining to the match.

But her coach never spoke about the captain’s real responsibilities.

Bianca needed guidance on what it truly means to be a captain.

Drawing from my experiences, I shared insights.

I explained that captains are often the top performers, expected to excel individually.

However, the captain’s role goes beyond personal achievements.

It’s about elevating the performance of the entire team.

I told her it’s up to her to figure out how best to get through to her teammates.

Bianca heard me.

The second day of the tournament was completely different.

We won the first two matches.

Better yet, the team’s confidence and energy were back.

As I made the long drive home after the tournament, I reflected.

I saw a connection with business.

Often, company leaders are chosen due to their prior success in their roles.

But they typically aren’t trained in leadership.

Like Bianca, they might not see their real purpose.

A company leader is responsible for more than meetings and reports.

It’s communicating clearly and often.

It’s fostering a positive work environment.

It’s embodying the company’s values.

True leadership is about improving everyone around you.

That’s how you win—not through individual contributions but shared strength and unity.

Leadership is not about being in charge.

It is about taking care of those in your charge.