“What got you here, ain’t going to get you there.”
Many newly promoted managers struggle because they continue to operate as individual producers – relying on their technical expertise rather than embracing their new role as leaders. Success as an individual contributor is built on personal performance, but as a manager, success is defined by how well you enable others to perform. This requires a fundamental mind shift from executing tasks to driving results through people.

Letting go of one’s identity as the go-to expert can be challenging, but failing to do so creates roadblocks for both managers and their teams. Instead of solving every problem themselves, effective managers learn to delegate, coach, and develop their people. The focus shifts from personal achievement to fostering team growth, improving collaboration, and aligning efforts with broader business goals.

To thrive as a manager, one must embrace this new reality. Leadership is no longer about being the most skilled individual but about empowering others to succeed. The best managers build strong teams, create a culture of trust, and remove obstacles that hinder performance. Making this shift isn’t easy, but those who do will not only lead more effectively but also create lasting impact within their organizations.