I think a lot about how often we ask people to step into important responsibilities, assuming that because of their skill in one place that they’ll be as skilled in the new place. It’s not inherently true and the odds of it being untrue are greater when we assume it will just happen on its own, without clarity or support.

I see and hear this often in relation to new leaders. And I understand why it happens. Organizations grow. People leave. New opportunities emerge. Teams need leadership now, not six months from now. Often, someone steps into a leadership role because they’ve demonstrated strong potential and earned the opportunity. What we miss with new leaders –  and the teams they serve – is that the skills that helped someone succeed as an individual contributor aren’t usually the same skills required to lead others. The challenge isn’t the promotion itself, it’s expecting people to navigate the transition without enough support.

When you accept a leadership position, the focus shifts. Success is no longer measured solely by what you accomplish yourself, but by how effectively you support, influence, develop, and enable others.

That transition can feel exciting. It can also feel overwhelming. New leaders are often expected to build relationships, navigate difficult conversations, provide feedback, manage competing priorities, support change, and help others succeed all while learning what leadership actually requires. And yet, this expectation is surprisingly common: that leadership is something people will simply figure out.

We don’t typically take this approach with technical skills. We wouldn’t hand someone a complex new system and assume they’ll master it through trial and error alone. We provide training, support, guidance, and opportunities to learn.

Leadership deserves the same investment. Not because new leaders lack potential, but because potential deserves development. When organizations intentionally support people through the transition into leadership, they create stronger leaders, stronger teams, and stronger workplaces. More importantly, they send a powerful message: we believe in our your success enough to help you invest in it.