I remember sitting in a fraternity meeting in college and listening to one member make the same kind of suggestion he made in almost every meeting, one that started with, “We should…” This particular request had to do with someone waiting at the door at an upcoming party to ensure members who hadn’t paid their semester dues were not permitted to enter.
Our president at the time called his bluff and said, “If you think that’s such a good idea, why don’t you do it?”
Predictably, the Big Idea Guy didn’t exactly grab hold of the responsibility. He just mumbled something about that not being “his thing.” You can imagine how much respect he carried in the group (not much).
The next time you’re tempted to offer a suggestion or a constructive criticism as invitation for someone else to step up and do it, try something else instead.
“I have an idea and I’ll take responsibility for it. Anybody else want to join me?”
That’s the essence of leadership. And it’s available to anyone, with or without a leadership position.