I want to preface this article by acknowledging that I have never held a formal leadership position. However, as a father and a basketball coach for several years, I have gained valuable insights into leadership and teamwork. Additionally, my experience working within multiple teams in Fortune 500 companies has given me a deep understanding of the importance of internal leadership in high-performing teams.

Consider a team responsible for managing a critical application—or, in some cases, multiple high-level applications. In such environments, a manager typically provides guidance on goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), or other success metrics. However, the true strength of these teams lies in their internal dynamics and collaboration.

While every team member should possess the technical expertise necessary to support the product, individual strengths and contributions vary. Some members excel at creating thorough documentation, others thrive in fast-paced problem-solving, and some are highly efficient at managing and resolving tickets. The real value of a strong team is the ability to recognize and leverage these individual strengths effectively.

This approach does not mean that certain members carry a disproportionate workload; rather, it reinforces the idea that each contribution serves the collective success of the team. When tasks are assigned with the mindset of “we are doing this for the team,” the work becomes more meaningful and rewarding.

Additionally, open communication is critical. Encouraging team members to voice their opinions ensures that leadership remains aware of both professional challenges and personal concerns. A team that actively communicates fosters trust, alignment, and ultimately, greater success.

Internal leadership is not just about formal titles or hierarchical structures—it is about fostering collaboration, recognizing strengths, and maintaining open dialogue. By embracing these principles, teams can operate more efficiently and create a culture of shared responsibility and success.