How to Move from Doing the Work to Leading the Team
A Journey Worth Taking
Imagine this: You’ve spent years honing your craft, mastering the intricacies of your work, and becoming the go-to expert in your field. You’re the one who can solve problems in your sleep, the dependable hand who delivers results time and time again. But then, one day, you realise that your ambitions stretch beyond executing tasks you want to inspire others, shape decisions, and guide a team towards a shared vision. The question is, how do you make that leap? How do you move from being the person who gets things done to becoming the leader who empowers others to do the same?
This transition moving from doing the work to leading the team is one of the most transformative journeys you can embark on in your professional life. It’s not just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about redefining what success means to you, learning how to influence others, and discovering the profound satisfaction of helping a group achieve something greater than the sum of its parts.
But here’s the catch: leadership isn’t something that just happens to you. It’s not a title that magically transforms you into an effective leader. Leadership is a skill, a mindset, and, most importantly, a journey of growth. It requires intentionality, effort, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The good news? This journey is absolutely within your reach and it’s one of the most rewarding paths you’ll ever take.
In this article, we’ll explore the practical steps you can take to grow into a leadership role, backed by examples and actionable advice. Whether you’re just starting to think about leadership or you’re already on the path, these insights will help you bridge the gap between doing and leading.
The Shift from Doing to Leading
The transition to leadership can feel daunting, especially if you’ve spent much of your career excelling at the doing. As an individual contributor, your success is measured by your personal output how well you complete tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver results. But leadership is a different game entirely. It’s no longer about what you can achieve; it’s about what your team can achieve.
This requires a fundamental shift in mindset. You must move from focusing on your own performance to enabling the performance of others. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, understanding how all the pieces fit together, and guiding your team towards a common goal.
For women, this transition can feel especially challenging. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that women are often less likely than men to see themselves as leaders, even when they have the same qualifications and experience. This self-doubt, combined with workplace biases, can create significant barriers.
But here’s the empowering truth: Leadership is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about learning, growing, and helping others succeed. The shift from doing to leading starts with a decision to see yourself not just as a doer, but as a leader.
So how do you make this shift? Let’s break it down into actionable steps.
Believe in Your Leadership Potential
The first step to becoming a leader is believing that you can be one. Many women struggle with “imposter syndrome,” doubting their abilities and feeling like they don’t deserve a seat at the table. But leadership isn’t about being flawless it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow.
Example: Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook, has spoken openly about her struggles with self-doubt. Despite her incredible achievements, she often felt like she didn’t belong in leadership roles. But by recognising these feelings and challenging them, she was able to step into her power and inspire millions of women to do the same.
Practical Tip: Start by acknowledging your accomplishments. Write down your career achievements, big and small, and reflect on the value you bring to your organisation. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift and encourage you.
Develop Self-Awareness
Leadership starts with understanding yourself. Before you can effectively lead others, you need to know your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Take time to reflect on the following questions:
What are my natural strengths, and how can I use them to inspire others?
What areas do I need to improve to become a better leader?
What kind of leader do I want to be?
Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership. It helps you build trust with your team because people are drawn to leaders who are genuine and self-assured.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is a powerful example of a leader who prioritised self-awareness. When he took the helm of Microsoft, he focused on creating a culture of empathy and innovation. His ability to reflect on his own leadership style and adapt it to the needs of the company played a critical role in Microsoft’s resurgence.
Tip: Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and even your team members. Honest feedback is one of the most valuable tools for developing self-awareness.
Learn to Delegate Effectively
One of the biggest challenges in moving from doing to leading is letting go of the work you’re so good at. Many aspiring leaders struggle with delegation because they fear losing control or worry that the work won’t be done to their standards.
But here’s the truth: you can’t lead a team effectively if you’re trying to do everything yourself. Delegation is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of trust. It shows that you believe in your team’s abilities and are willing to empower them to take ownership of their work.
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is known for her ability to build high-performing teams. She once said that great leaders don’t create followers they create more leaders. By trusting her team and delegating responsibilities, she was able to drive innovation and growth at one of the world’s largest companies.
Tip: Start small. Identify tasks that don’t require your direct involvement and delegate them to team members who have the skills to handle them. Provide clear instructions and support, but resist the urge to micromanage.
Studies have shown that effective delegation not only increases team productivity but also boosts employee engagement. When team members feel trusted and valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond.
Develop Your Communication Skills
As a leader, your ability to communicate effectively can make or break your success. It’s not just about giving clear instructions; it’s about listening, empathising, and inspiring.
For women, effective communication can also mean navigating workplace dynamics with confidence. Studies have shown that women are often interrupted more than men in meetings, and their ideas are sometimes overlooked. Learning to speak up assertively and advocate for yourself is a critical leadership skill.
Great leaders know how to adapt their communication style to the needs of their team. They know when to be direct and when to be diplomatic. They understand the power of storytelling to rally their team around a shared vision.
Think of Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her calm, empathetic communication during times of crisis such as the Christchurch mosque attacks earned her global admiration. She showed how powerful it is to lead with both strength and compassion.
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, is a master communicator. Whether she’s addressing a crowd or participating in a debate, she speaks with clarity, conviction, and poise. Her ability to communicate her vision has been a key factor in her rise to leadership.
Tip: Practice active listening. Make a conscious effort to listen to your team without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. It’s one of the simplest but most effective ways to build trust and rapport. Show your team that you value their input by giving them your full attention and asking thoughtful questions. When it’s your turn to speak, be confident and concise, and don’t be afraid to take up space in the conversation.
Invest in Building Relationships
Leadership is fundamentally about people. To lead effectively, you need to build strong relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Take time to get to know your team members as individuals. What are their strengths and aspirations? What challenges are they facing? When you show genuine interest in your team’s well-being, you create a positive environment where people feel supported and motivated.
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members. Use these meetings to check in on their progress, provide feedback, and offer support.
Build a Support Network
Leadership can feel lonely at times, especially for women who are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. Having a strong support network of mentors, peers, and allies can make all the difference.
Oprah Winfrey credits much of her success to the guidance and support of her mentor, Maya Angelou. Their relationship not only helped Oprah navigate the challenges of her career, but also inspired her to become a mentor to others.
Tip: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and insight based on their own leadership experiences. Join professional networks or women’s leadership groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals and share your journey.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Leadership is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey of learning and growth. The best leaders are those who embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and constantly seek to improve.
Research by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck has shown that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed in leadership roles. They see setbacks as opportunities to learn and are more resilient in the face of challenges.
Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, embodies the growth mindset. Even after achieving unparalleled success in tennis, she constantly pushed herself to improve and adapt. Her resilience and determination are a testament to the power of embracing growth.
Tip: Read books, attend leadership workshops, and seek out mentors who can guide you on your journey. Seek feedback from your team Take every opportunity to learn, Remember setbacks are not failures they’re stepping stones to greater success. The more you invest in your own development, the more effective you’ll be as a leader.
The journey from doing the work to leading the team is not without its challenges. It requires you to step outside your comfort zone, let go of old habits, and embrace a new way of thinking. But it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.
Leadership is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to grow, learn, and inspire others. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered to do their best work. And when you see your team succeed not because of your efforts alone, but because of what you’ve achieved together you’ll know that the journey was worth it.
So, take that first step. Reflect on your goals, invest in your growth, and start leading with intention. The world needs leaders like you leaders who are not just focused on results, but on people. Because at its heart, leadership is not about doing; it’s about being the kind of person who makes others want to follow.
Now, it’s your turn. Will you take the leap?