A good leader possesses the ability to motivate a group of people to complete a task or reach a goal. They need to know how to inspire others to work toward a common goal. Leadership is more about action then title. Good leaders have social influence, not just power garnered from holding a specific position.

John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

A good assistant is an indispensable and invaluable member of the team. Assistants are not less able or important than their bosses. In fact they are often referred to as their bosses “right hand.” Good assistants provide unconditional support whenever needed.

Everyone has a different skill set and different aspirations. The best way to decide if you are a leader or an assistant is to ask yourself a few questions and take a look at the skill set that is unique to you. Take a look at the qualities listed below, which do you pose more of? Which would you like to pose more of?

Leadership Qualities:

• Ability to delegate
• Good communicator
• Motivational
• Confident
• Ability to read people
• Trusts intuition
• Inspirational
• Positive attitude/ optimism
• Accountability
• Focus/ drive
• Decisiveness
• Responsible
• Honest
• Integrity

Assistant Qualities:

• Follows direction well
• Organized
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Willing to do any job big or small
• Anticipating the needs of others
• Ability to prioritize
• Strong listening skills
• Interpersonal skills
• High energy
• Multi-tasking
• Self-management
• Problem solving

Depending on your skills and personality you may choose to be an assistant or a leader. These skills can be applied to your career choices, sports and extracurricular activities and relationships. Of course, you can still possess integrity and be an assistant, and vice versa.

Some career choices common for people with strong leadership skills are: politics, coaching, managers (of an office, marketing, sales, construction etc.), lawyer, judge, detective, therapist, social worker, public relations, TV producer, motivational speaker, CEO, or school counselor.

Some good career choices for those with strong assistant skills are: administration (school, office, medical, legal etc.), dental hygienist, executive assistant, paralegal, teacher’s aide, personal assistant, and research assistant or veterinary assistant.

Sometimes it may seem like leaders get more glory, while assistants are working behind the scenes making sure all the necessary day to day tasks get done on time and on schedule. But it’s important to remember whatever your strengths and regardless of which category you fall into both leaders and assistants are invaluable members of any team.