First off, yes, I think there is a big distinction in wanting to have responsibility and wanting to have authority.
Authority I am not such a fan of...it is the one aspect of teaching that I likely find the hardest to deal with. I don't like making decisions that people will be unhappy with, but I also realize that things need to get done and I can't make everyone happy. I usually end up being too diplomatic and accommodating and people take advantage of that.
As for responsibility, it can go either way. I like it when people come to me and ask me to lead...kind of like what Substitute was saying...because those people have seen some sort of quality in me that they think would be right for the job. Also, that way, if things go badly, I can simply say, "Hey, I gave it a shot, but I didn't ask for this position so you should be unhappy with yourselves for putting me there." (This hasn't really happened though, I'm just speculating).
I'm also ok with taking over when the current leader is incompetent...if I find the other person to be incompetent it means that I know I can do the job better. Plus, I'm probably better with responsibility/authority in this position, because when I'm ticked off, I go into major productivity mode and I don't care what other people think and I tend to lose that whole diplomatic, soft side to myself...I just get stuff done.
Usually though, I never volunteer for responsibility or authority roles unless no one else wants to do it (teaching is different because I'm not leading peers or my elders). I prefer to be assigned something, and I'll get it done.
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