Leading From The Front: Why Elite Teams Need Both Leaders and Alphas

Let's explore the subtle, yet vast difference between "a leader and an alpha" within a company and/or team. Have you ever thought about this? How are they different, and do you have both on your team? Do I need one vs. the other? What does this dynamic do for your team, and how can you foster it intentionally? How does knowing the difference help you "lead from the front?" 

Throughout my experiences in college football, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and City Administration, I've been part of elite organizations... not only do they have both leaders and alphas, but they (actively foster both). I saw firsthand why it's essential to balance alpha traits with collaborative leadership qualities. Having an alpha can enhance a team's effectiveness, especially in dynamic or high-stakes environments. 

Let's start by exploring the definition between a leader and an alpha. 

Leader: A leader is someone who guides and influences others to achieve a common goal by inspiring, motivating, and providing direction. They possess the ability to rally people towards a shared vision (collaboration) and help them overcome challenges, ultimately making a positive impact. Focused on building relationships. 

Alpha: An alpha is seen as someone with strong leadership qualities who's confident, assertive, and often takes charge. They're often described as ambitious, independent, and competitive. They exert influence through assertiveness and authority. Need decisions made? The alpha will make them. 

Let's look at the differences between the two: 

1. Approach Towards Authority 

a. Leader: Earns respect and authority through actions, empathy, and great dialogue. Has a strong sense of prioritizing team needs and fosters a sense of belonging. 

b. Alpha: Often relies on assertiveness and position to command respect (verbally and/or through work ethic). Focused on establishing dominance rather than fostering collaboration.

2.Team Dynamics 

a. Leader: Works to create an environment where everyone feels valued. Promotes teamwork, is intentional about dialogue, while seeking input from teammates. 

b. Alpha: Really focused on competition. Teammates might feel less empowered to share ideas… "We are doing this…let's go!"

3. Conflict Resolution 

a. Leader: The leader will tend to address conflict through collaboration and dialogue. 

b. Alpha: Tackles conflict from the perspective of only one side. The alpha will address conflict aggressively. 

4. Vision

a. Leader: Emphasizes a compelling vision for the future. Inspires and motivates their teams. This aligns with team goals/aspirations. 

b. Alpha: Vision may be clear, but the alpha imposes their will towards it. They will often prioritize their own perspective and assert authority. 

5. Control 

a. Leader: Tends to exercise control through influence. Builds trust and empowers the team to take ownership. 

b. Alpha: Exerts control through assertiveness. Decisions are made unilaterally with expected compliance from teammates. 

How could my team benefit from having an "alpha"? 

1. Resolve: Alphas make quick decisions, which can help projects move forward. They will take charge and lead, especially in uncertain situations (when it's hard), which can help maintain momentum.

   
   

2. Command: Provides clear direction and focus, especially when it's high pressure. The assertiveness you will feel will help clarify goals and priorities and ensure the TEAM stays aligned. 

   
   

3. Motivation: Looking for someone to inspire the TEAM? They will give competitive spirit, pushing members to perform their best. The drive and ambition will motivate others to strive for higher levels of performance. 

   
   

4. Conflict Resolution: They will approach conflict head-on! You won't wonder where you stand...they will tell you, which leads to things not festering. This will help clear the air and reset focus on TEAM goals. 

   
   

5. Risk-Taking: Looking for someone to take risks and navigate bold strategies? This is the one. This risk-taking often leads to innovative solutions and opportunities. 

   
   

6. Leading in Crisis: When the TEAM could feel uncertain, the alpha will shine. They will provide strong leadership and reassurance to the TEAM. The TEAM will feel their confidence, which will instill a sense of security.

   
   

7. Goal Orientation: High sense of focusing on results and achieving WINS. A results-driven mindset will help the team maintain a high level of productivity and a strong sense of accountability. 

   
   

How can we foster "THE LEADER, but also THE ALPHA"? 

1. Encourage Open Communication: Create a culture where team members, including alphas, feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. Encourage active listening and respectful dialogue to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. 

   
   

2. Promote Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between those with alpha traits and those with leadership qualities. Set up joint projects or brainstorming sessions where both styles can contribute to problem-solving and innovation. Put them on the same teams during the off-season. 

   
   

3. Provide Leadership Development Opportunities: Offer training and workshops that focus on developing leadership skills for all team members, including alphas. This can help them learn to balance assertiveness with empathy and collaboration. How can I help them get better? 

   
   

4. Set Shared Goals: Establish common objectives that require both the decisive action of alphas and the collaborative spirit of leaders, and again match them up often. This alignment encourages teamwork and helps unify the team toward a shared vision. 

   
   

5. Encourage Emotional Intelligence: Foster emotional intelligence within the team by promoting self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. This can help alphas connect more effectively with team members and enhance their leadership qualities. 

   
   

6. Create a Feedback Loop: Implement regular feedback sessions where team members can discuss what's working and what can be improved. This encourages a culture of continuous growth and learning, allowing both alphas and leaders to refine their styles i.e., dialogue. 

   
   

7. Mentorship Programs: Pair alphas with more experienced leaders for mentorship. This can help alphas learn about effective leadership strategies while providing leaders with insights into the assertive drive of alphas. Again, easy to do during the off-season or in-season. 

   
   

8. Cultivate Resilience: Encourage both alphas and leaders to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Fostering resilience helps the team navigate difficulties together, combining strength with collaboration. 

   
   

Teams can harness the strengths of both alpha personalities and leadership qualities, leading to a more dynamic and effective working and locker room environment by creating awareness and intentionality here. Lean in...

#stayinthefight #committed #playerled #alpha #leader #jbleadingforward