I never set out to be an organisational leader. In 2010, however, it found me!
Suddenly tasked with leading a team that was already established, I remember wrestling with self-doubt and uncertainty. The questions I faced about my abilities and decisions were constant. Every day felt like a new challenge as I navigated team dynamics, striving to earn the respect of experienced professionals. Doubts crept in, making me second-guess my approach, while skepticism loomed over me like a shadow, whispering fears of failure. Yet, as I stepped forward—hesitantly at first—I uncovered a truth that changed everything: leadership isn’t a title reserved for a select few. It’s a capability within all of us, waiting to be discovered, developed, and nurtured.
The Beauty of the Unplanned Path
There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping into leadership unexpectedly. Without preconceptions or rigid ideas of how things “should” be done, you enter with a fresh perspective. It’s like being handed a blank canvas—initially daunting but full of possibilities.
Recently, a colleague promoted to team leader told me, “I don’t know anything about leading.” Her anxiety was relatable. I shared with her what I wished someone had told me in 2010: leadership isn’t just for a select few.
“It’s a capability that grows with practice and intention, with the aim of helping the team reach its goals. A key element is having the mindset to grow, learn, and adapt along the way,” I shared with her.
The Power of Untapped Potential
Often, reluctant leaders don’t realise they’ve been practicing leadership long before receiving a title. That deep sense of responsibility you feel? That’s leadership. The way you consider how decisions affect others? Leadership. Your drive to improve processes and help others succeed? Leadership…again!
Looking back, I see that my instincts to listen, to learn, and to collaborate were strengths, not shortcomings. Leadership isn’t about status or control. It’s not about micromanaging every detail. And it’s certainly NOT about treating people as mere subordinates to do your bidding.
The Clean Slate Advantage
Coming into leadership without a rigid framework can be an advantage. You’re not confined to a traditional mold, nor are you pressured to emulate famous CEOs. Instead, you’re driven by the desire to do right by your team and contribute meaningfully. This openness allows for creativity, adaptability, and genuine connection.
I remember facing a particularly challenging situation early on, where one of my team members was underperforming. More experienced leaders might have leaned on conventional strategies to address the issue. But instead, I took the time to understand her perspective, set new expectations, and retrain her while monitoring her progress. Eventually, she realised the role wasn’t the right fit for her, and she moved on. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t about following a fixed path or having all the answers; it’s about navigating challenges with authenticity, empathy, and care.
Developing Your Leadership Capability
If you find yourself unexpectedly in a leadership role, here’s what I want you to know:
Your authentic approach matters. Leadership isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about discovering and refining what makes you an effective leader in your own way. This also means considering the unique demands of your circumstances.
You don’t need to be “ready” to lead. Growth happens in the process, not before it starts.
Every challenge is a learning opportunity. The skills you need will sharpen as you engage with your team members.
Moving Forward
Some of the best leaders aren’t those who set out to lead; they’re the ones who rise to the occasion, embracing the growth that comes with the role. If you’ve been thrust into leadership, don’t see it as a burden, but rather as an opportunity to develop strengths you may not have fully realized.
To all the reluctant leaders out there: your uncertainty isn’t a weakness—it’s the first sign of growth. Your fresh perspective isn’t a limitation; it’s an opportunity to lead in a way that’s uniquely yours. But you must make the decision to move forward—don’t just copy/paste someone else’s approach.
Remember this: leadership isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
© 2025 Anne Burlinson
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