Are You a Leader? Maybe It's Time to Learn How to Be an Active Supporter
Here's a question I bet you weren't expecting: When was the last time you, as a leader, practiced being a great active supporter on your team?
I know, it sounds backward, right? We're always talking about developing leadership skills, climbing the ladder, and taking charge. But here's something I've seen time and again in my work with all kinds of organizations—the leaders who make the biggest impact often know exactly when to step back and follow someone else's lead.
Even if you're the CEO, there are moments when someone on your team knows more about a situation than you do. Maybe it's your tech expert navigating a system upgrade, or a frontline employee who understands customer pain points better than anyone. In these moments, your success doesn't come from directing—it comes from actively supporting their expertise and helping them lead.
What Makes a Great Active Supporter?
Understanding and mastering active support is as much a practical skill as a mindset. Far from passive agreement, exceptional active support is about empowering the collective team—everyone from the CEO to the newest hire—for genuine success.
1. They keep their ego in check.
Success in any team dwells minimally on the "I" and maximally on the "we." Have you noticed how some people always need to take credit, while others naturally share the spotlight?
Great active supporters exhibit a knack for ego management—they embrace teamwork and celebrate collective achievements, creating an environment where everyone feels valued. I've seen how this approach transforms workplace culture from competitive to collaborative almost overnight.
2. They form strong credibility.
The best active supporters give credit where it's due, admit mistakes, and share successes. One piece of advice I always give my teams: when you get asked a question you don't know, go research it and then implement it. Guess what? You're now the expert!
Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert on your team provides a natural way to gain the trust of those around you. Your credibility comes not from your title but from your contributions and willingness to learn.
3. They commit to a purpose bigger than themselves.
Great active supporters are committed to something bigger—a shared goal, a collective mission, or a common purpose. Everyone on my team is part of the strategic planning process. This is why I involve everyone on my team in the strategic planning process.
When you participate in shaping direction, you feel genuine ownership rather than just following orders. You understand not just what needs to be done, but why it matters. This shifts the entire dynamic from compliance to commitment.
4. They focus their efforts for maximum impact.
The most valuable team members master skills that benefit the entire organization, not just their personal advancement. I've always appreciated people who pitch in wherever needed without being asked.
Even though we all have job descriptions, those who reach out to help others always stand out. They lead through their actions and support the team in reaching collective goals. Their positive, helpful attitude lifts everyone's spirits and creates momentum.
5. They support others.
Exceptional active supporters recognize that organizational success depends on many people working together, not just a few stars. This requires honest self-awareness about your own strengths and limitations.
When you acknowledge what you're good at and where you need help, you create space for authentic collaboration. This approach allows you to appreciate others' strengths and leverage each person's unique capabilities rather than dwelling on weaknesses.
When Leaders and Active Supporters Work Together
In many ways, supporters are just as essential as great leaders. You need both for any business to succeed.
While learning to actively support can be tough in our ego-dominated business world, the skills you develop as an active supporter will absolutely pay off when it's your turn to influence others. Remember, we all lead in different moments, regardless of our title, when we work together and truly listen to one another.
Through my work with the B³ Method®, I've seen how organizations that value both leadership and active support create more sustainable success. Teams function with greater harmony when each person understands when to step forward and when to provide support.
Finding Your Balance
Take a moment to reflect on your own approach. Are you always pushing to lead, or have you mastered actively supporting your team? Consider how you might:
Celebrate a teammate's success this week with genuine enthusiasm
Develop expertise in an area that would benefit your entire team
Volunteer to support a project outside your regular responsibilities
Actively listen in your next meeting before offering your perspective
The most fulfilling careers come from knowing when to lead and when to support others, creating Work-Life Harmony® through balanced contribution rather than constant striving for the spotlight.