In the world of open source, leadership is less about authority and more about influence. It is not defined by job titles or organizational charts. It is about creating the conditions for others to succeed. One of the most important lessons for any open source leader to learn is this:
Being a leader is not about doing everything yourself.
It is tempting to try, especially if you care deeply about quality or feel responsible for the project’s reputation. But leadership is not about being the sole engine of progress. It is about building trust, communicating clearly, and knowing when to step aside so others can lead.