Most World Cup-winning teams have been stacked with wily, self-motivated match-winners who didn't need a captain or a coach to drive their ambitions.
Take Australia's dominant era from 1999-2007. Michael Bevan, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Mark Waugh never captained in a permanent capacity, but led in their specific roles.
Pakistan provide another example, particularly when they beat New Zealand in the 1992 semi-final. The youthful Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan offered batting master-classes at Eden Park, but a certain Javed Miandad was unbeaten at the end on 57 from 69 balls. In addition to talismanic captain Imran Khan, players such as Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Saleem Malik (who ran out Martin Crowe's runner Mark Greatbatch before becoming the first player banned from all forms of cricket in 2000 for match-fixing) were instrumental.
Hesson said leadership and, specifically, initiative, was what they looked to instil.
"The key to a good side is leadership throughout the group. We're certainly generating that.
"We've put together two consecutive performances [against Pakistan] where we've dominated from start to finish. Whenever we've been under pressure for small parts of the game we've responded well. Our players are capable of dominating."
Hesson acknowledged the preparation had gone as well as hoped.
"Probably uncomfortably so. You're always worried when things are going along as nicely as you think.
"We've won key moments, bowled well under pressure at the death, chased medium scores, chased high scores and batted first in challenging conditions.
"We've been pretty consistent in terms of approach. We know how we want to play the game and, if we're not playing that way, we know why and how to fix it."
The team gets two further days off before assembling for two warm-up games against South Africa and Zimbabwe in Christchurch. Players would likely engage in strengthening work at the gym in the meantime.
Earlier in the week Hesson suggested Latham would get at least one opportunity in place of Ronchi with the wicketkeeping gloves. Guptill, the other unrested squad member, was likely to be given every chance to bat into further form.
"We've had nine games in a short period [24 days] so the next few days are an opportunity to ensure everybody is firing and fresh to achieve healthy competition for places," Hesson said. "Every squad member is likely to get an opportunity in the next few weeks.
6 examples of leadership
1. As New Zealand slump to 93 for five against Sri Lanka in Dunedin, Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott generate a 267-run world-record sixth-wicket partnership.
2. Nathan McCullum ekes out 25 off 47 balls to ensure a three-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in Christchurch after Corey Anderson's mature 81 off 96.
3. Daniel Vettori delivers 31 dot balls as part of the best economy rate against Pakistan in Napier with match figures of one for 41.
4. Kyle Mills helps restrict Pakistan to 79 for three after 22 overs with his figures of two for 29 from 10 overs in Wellington.
5. bull; After Mills' efforts, Ross Taylor and Elliott construct a measured chase inside 40 overs, putting on an unbeaten 112 for the fourth wicket.
6. Kane Williamson makes contrasting centuries to a) set a total of 369 for five against Pakistan in Napier and b) chase a target of 277 against Sri Lanka in Nelson.
