When you work with ordinary performers and you are the one who is supposed to deliver, you lead. Of course, there are different types of leadership and when people are competent, you can really be the leader, enabler of getting things done. You concentrate on your specific part and on the overall delivery, because everyone in your team needs just a simple nudge here and there and then immediately pulls in the same direction as everyone else.
I won’t describe case with lower-than average performers. Suffice to say, there is a lot guidance, a lot of growth (if people are willing) involved.
When things go really nuts is … when you are with top-notch performers. They will jump from task-to-task, role-to-role and be, in general, more than helpful. Working like that is a real blessing – you should be grateful, when it happens.