Agile teams have no leaders, because everyone on an Agile team is a leader. However, leadership is still important. So, how does leadership work if everyone is a leader? Here are my rules:

1) If something needs to be done, do it. Do it very, very well.

2) Never do anything by yourself. Always ask for help. Always give help.

3) Don’t delegate, cooperate. Never tell anyone to do anything that you can do for yourself.

So who is really in charge? The customer is. The customer knows what she wants and what she is willing to pay for. The team must deliver that.

The team gets to decide how to meet the customer’s needs. You won’t always agree. You have to work it out.

Remember that the right people showed up. You will solve the problem to the best of your ability and so will your teammates. Telling them how is counterproductive. If you know how then do it yourself, but involve them.

If you work this way everyone has an opportunity to succeed, to learn, and to grow.