From Top Performer to Leader: The Shift No One Prepares You For

You worked hard. You delivered. You became the person your team relied on—the go-to problem solver. The one who got things done.

Then you got promoted.

And suddenly, everything that made you successful as an individual contributor doesn’t seem to translate to leadership. The skills that got you here? Those aren’t the ones that will move you forward.

Leadership isn’t just a step up—it’s a shift. A transformation. And if you don’t make that shift? You’ll find yourself overwhelmed, stuck, and questioning if you were even meant to lead in the first place. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

The Leadership Leap: Why It Feels So Hard

Most new leaders don’t fail because they lack talent or drive. They struggle because they’re still thinking like top performers instead of leaders.

The difference?

• Top performers focus on execution. Leaders focus on empowerment.

• Top performers get things done. Leaders make sure the right things get done by the right people.

• Top performers want to be recognized. Leaders shift the spotlight to their team.

If you’re leading like a high performer instead of a leader, you’re probably drowning in work, frustrated that no one steps up, and feeling like you must prove yourself all over again. Let’s change that.

The 3 Critical Shifts Every New Leader Must Make

Becoming a leader isn’t about working harder; becoming a leader is about thinking differently. Here’s how you can make the shift:

1. Stop Solving Problems. Start Framing Them.

Your biggest strength used to be fixing problems fast. But if you’re still jumping in to solve everything, you’re not leading—you’re babysitting.

Leaders don’t just solve problems. They teach their teams how to think through challenges on their own.

Try this: Next time a team member comes to you with an issue, resist the urge to give them the answer. Instead, ask:

• What have you/we already tried?

• What do you think we should do?

• What’s stopping you from handling this yourself?

Your goal shouldn’t be to have all the answers. Your goal should be developing a team that can formulate creative answers from the skills they already possess.

2. Stop Chasing Recognition. Start Giving It.

You used to measure success by your achievements. Your work. Your results. But as a leader, your success is measured by your team’s growth.

The best leaders aren’t the ones taking all the credit. They’re the ones making sure their teams get it.

Try this:

• Publicly acknowledge someone’s contribution in your next meeting.

• Let a team member present your work instead of you.

• Write a quick note of appreciation to someone who stepped up.

People don’t leave companies. They leave bad managers. And a manager who doesn’t recognize their team? That’s a leader people won’t follow for long.

3. Stop Being the Smartest in the Room. Start Building Experts.

New leaders often think they need to prove they deserve the title. So, they hoard knowledge. Make the final call. Keep control.

It’s a trap. The more you make yourself “indispensable,” the less your team grows. And the more exhausted you become.

The best leaders don’t keep knowledge to themselves—they pass it on. They create space for others to step up. They make sure their team succeeds without them having to micromanage every step.

Try this:

• Identify one thing you’re holding onto that someone else could own.

• Ask yourself: Who on my team is ready for a bigger challenge?

• Instead of giving instructions, ask: What do you need from me to take this on?

The goal isn’t to do it all. The goal is to build a team that runs so well, you don’t have to.

The One Thing New Leaders Get Wrong

Leadership isn’t a solo journey. But most new leaders try to go it alone.

Here’s the truth: If you don’t have a strong support system—mentors, peers, and people who can guide you—you’re setting yourself up to struggle.

Who needs to be in your leadership circle?

• A mentor: Someone who’s been where you are and can help you navigate challenges

• Trusted peers: Fellow leaders who get it and can offer real talk when you need it

• An accountability partner: Someone who will call you out when you start falling back into old habits

Try this: Reach out to one person this week who can help you grow as a leader. Schedule a coffee chat. Join a leadership group. Ask for advice.

Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing where to find them.

Your Leadership Game Plan Starts Now

If you’re in the middle of the transition from top performer to leader, here’s your action plan:

• Shift your mindset: Stop trying to be the hero. Start being the guide.

• Build key leadership skills: Learn how to delegate, coach, and lead with clarity.

• Surround yourself with the right people: Leadership isn’t learned in isolation. Build your circle.

The best leaders aren’t born. They’re developed.

And today, your leadership journey is one step closer to progress.