Hmmm. Definitely it is better to avoid speaking in absolutes when possible. On that I agree. But the kid has a point, also. I'm not an expert on the subject, but there is a lot of literature out there about the emergence of leaders in groups. It seems to be a general phenomenon that whatever size group there is, someone will emerge as the de facto point person. I think where the kid goes way more wrong than his use of absolutes is his assertion that there is "competition". Emergence of a leader can, but doesn't necessarily have to, happen by competition.
Yes - the original post suggests that the ideas of collaboration and the "alpha" position are mutually exclusive, when they are not. In small organizations we often appoint de-facto leaders because the group can recognize they are the best for the job - perhaps the person in the leadership position didn't even desire it! It's not always a competition but sometimes it is. Whether its absolute that there is an emergent "alpha" in EVERY group, I leave to those more educated on the subject. But when it comes to leadership, it can be appointed just as much as it is won, and we have all, I'm sure, experienced that in our lives.