HI, Mike,

Great thought on this post.  I have to wonder, however, about the last comment: "Even if you’re the low man on the org chart, you gain influence and authority as you demonstrate to others that you’re for them; that your WE includes them."

It presupposes that the team is doing the right things.  Otherwise, you'd end up supporting a team you believe is unethical, or simply going in the wrong direction.

There are times when supporting the team is the wrong thing to do.  In order to lead, you have to be willing to go off in another direction at times, especially when your beliefs and values are at odds with the rest of the group.