From Doer to Leader

Most people become managers because they’re great at doing.
But leadership isn’t about doing more work—it’s about helping others do their best work.

The hardest shift for any new manager?
Letting go of being the doer and stepping into being the leader.

Why It Matters:

• Culture: Leaders who delegate and empower build strong, engaged teams.

• Performance: You multiply your impact when you stop doing everything yourself.

• Retention: People grow when they’re trusted to own real responsibilities.

What Most Managers Overlook:

They think their job is to keep doing what made them successful.
But real leadership is about developing others and creating the conditions for them to succeed.

When Anne Mulcahy took over Xerox during its toughest times, she focused on listening to and empowering her teams—not just pushing her own ideas. That shift in focus helped her turn the company around.

How to Get It Right:

• Shift your mindset from “How can I do this?” to “How can I help my team do this?”

• Delegate work that grows your people’s skills and confidence.

• Coach, don’t just direct—ask questions, share context, and guide.

• Celebrate your team’s wins as their success, not yours.

Do:
✅ Empower others to step up and own outcomes
✅ Trust your team to find their own ways to deliver
✅ Learn how to let go of tasks you’ve always done

Don’t:
❌ Try to do it all yourself
❌ Micromanage to keep control
❌ Forget that your team’s growth is your growth, too

Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about helping others shine.