Being a team leader doesn’t mean barking orders—it means showing the way. According to John C. Maxwell, the first step to equipping people is “I do it.” This step focuses on competence. You lead by example, taking charge and completing tasks while allowing your team to observe your process. However, be careful not to turn this into an ego boost. The purpose is to demonstrate excellence and responsibility. Before asking others to follow, you must first know the way well yourself. Once you’ve mastered the task, you’re ready to move forward and involve others. This is the foundation of effective team growth. Without it, development halts. Leadership always begins with personal accountability and competence.