From Teammate to Team Leader: A Coach's Guide for Accidental Leaders

By Sairam Bollapragada (Prof)

Sunil, a bright young talent I coach, called me frantically one day. Gone was his usual calm demeanour, replaced by a mix of excitement and nervous energy. "I got promoted!" he exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "But," he continued, the excitement fading, "I never planned on being a leader. I always wanted to be techie, hands-on and not a lead/manager…."

Sunil's story is all too common. The "Accidental Leader" phenomenon is on the rise, particularly among millennials and Gen Z who may find themselves thrust into leadership positions earlier in their careers. While promotions are cause for celebration, the sudden shift from teammate to leader can be daunting.

Here's how I coached Sunil to navigate through this unexpected transition, and how you, too, can thrive as an accidental leader:

1. Embrace the Learning Curve:

Becoming a leader isn't about having all the answers. It's about a willingness to learn and grow. I advised Sunil to seek out mentorship. Former leaders, experienced colleagues, or even leadership development programs can provide invaluable guidance (growth is not about seeking help from only technically sound folks, experience from the experience is also a compelling learning…). There are so many who you can engage with. Also, let your team know you are open to feedback and constant (co)learning.

Remember, 70% of the learning happens on the job!

2. Leverage Your Strengths:

Just because you weren't expecting this role doesn't mean you're unprepared. Sunil was known for his strong communication skills and collaborative spirit. I encouraged him to play to his strengths. Research by Gallup highlights that teams with strengths-based leadership see a 21% increase in profitability, alongside improved employee engagement and retention

Can you delegate tasks effectively? Are you a great problem-solver? Focus on what you excel at and build your leadership style from there while you pick on the other traits - may need some guidance and coaching. It is better to build confidence on somebody’s experience than to become a lone voyager and fail.

3. Build Trust and Transparency:

Relationships are the foundation of any successful team. Sunil, being a former teammate, already had rapport with his team. His being an extrovert and easy to communicate, I encouraged him to build on this trust by being transparent. A report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that only 37% of employees believe their senior leaders create a culture of open communication

Communicate openly, share your vision, and actively listen to your team's concerns.

4. Empower Your Team:

Micromanagement stifles creativity and initiative. I suggested Sunil empower his team by giving them ownership of their projects. Provide clear expectations and support their decision-making. A study by Deloitte shows that companies with empowered employees see a 21% increase in profitability [Source: Deloitte]. Provide clear expectations, support their decision-making, and trust them to deliver results.

A leader who trusts their team fosters a more engaged and productive work environment.

5. Invest in Your Team's Development:

Leaders are not born, they are made. Sunil might be new to leadership, but his team members may also be unfamiliar with their roles or have room to grow. I suggested Sunil invest in his team's development. Data from the ADP Research Institute shows that 76% of workers are more likely to stay at a company that invests in their development

Offer training opportunities, encourage skill development, and create a culture of continuous learning. When your team thrives, so do you.

Sunil's story doesn't end here. He is still learning and growing, but by embracing these tips, he is well on his way to becoming a confident and successful leader. Remember, even accidental leaders can have a profound impact. By focusing on learning, leveraging your strengths, building trust, and empowering your team, you can turn your unexpected leadership role into a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Are you an Accidental Leader? Feeling overwhelmed? Don't wait! Share your challenges in the comments below, and let's start a conversation about navigating leadership together!