Fast Company Daily
Promoted to a leadership role? Here’s how to make the ‘player-to-coach’ transition seamlessly
Apr 16, 2025
In this episode, Kelly Thompson, a Training Director and Coach, shares her expertise on the often daunting transition from being a player to a coach in leadership roles. She discusses common anxieties faced by new leaders and the importance of resilience. Kelly outlines strategies for moving from an expert to a facilitator of expertise, preventing traps that can stifle growth. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of strategic planning, team empowerment, and self-reflection to build a lasting legacy.
08:57
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Quick takeaways
- Leaders should shift from being individual experts to empowering team members, fostering a collaborative environment for development.
- Avoiding traps like guilt and comfort allows leaders to focus on strategic initiatives while delegating effectively to enhance team growth.
Deep dives
Redefining Leadership Identity
Transitioning to a leadership role often prompts anxiety over one's expertise and how to add value in a new context. Instead of clinging to the identity of being the go-to expert, leaders should embrace their role as facilitators of expertise within their teams. Emphasizing the importance of fostering a collaborative environment enables leaders to empower their team members to thrive. By reframing the approach from being the sole expert to nurturing the capabilities of others, leaders can cultivate a more resilient and skilled workforce.
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