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Welcome

Dreaming of a leadership role someday? Here’s the secret: you don’t wait for the title to start leading—you build the skills now. As an individual contributor (IC), your job is to execute, but to step into leadership, you need to show you can think bigger, influence others, and take ownership—without the authority yet. Too many aspiring leaders wait for permission, missing chances to stand out. This playbook flips that—giving you actionable steps to prepare for leadership today, so when the opportunity comes, you’re ready.

My Take

Early in my career, I thought promotions came from crushing my tasks alone. Then I started volunteering for projects and helping peers—suddenly, people saw me as a leader before I had the title. That’s when I realised: leadership starts with how you show up now.

Too often in my career there was limited support for aspiring and new leaders. I read the stat that 60% of new leaders fail within the first year—this isn’t because the individual is not a leader it’s because the organisation didn’t invest in the development and training. This is has become my passion, to help aspiring and new leaders navigate this new role with ease. And just like launching rockets it can be complicated and tough but we can often over complicate things, as leadership is not rocket science.

The 5 Step Playbook for Aspiring Leaders

1. Adopt a Leadership Mindset: Think “We” Early

   • Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about impact.

   • Start acting like the team’s success matters as much as your own.

   • How: Spot a team challenge (e.g., a process snag) and suggest a fix.
     

     Reflection: What’s one way you can support your team’s goals this week?

2. Sharpen Communication: Influence Without Authority

   • Leaders align and inspire—you can too, even as an IC.

   • Share ideas that benefit the group, not just you.

   • How: In your next meeting, ask, “How can we make this better together?”
     

     Tip: Practice active listening—echo what colleagues say to build trust.

3. Take Initiative: Lead Before You’re Asked

   • Don’t wait for a manager to hand you responsibility—grab it.

   • Show you can handle more by stepping up.

   • How: Volunteer for a stretch project or propose a small improvement.
     

     Challenge: Pick one task this week to own beyond your role—what is it?

4. Build Decision-Making Confidence: Practice Now

   • Leaders decide—you can start small as an IC.

   • Prove you can think strategically, even without the final say.

   • How: Offer a clear recommendation next time your team’s stuck.
     

     Mindset: A solid suggestion now beats waiting for perfection.

5. Support Others: Be a Team Player Who Lifts Up

   • Leadership is about growth—start by helping peers succeed.

   • Offer help or feedback to show you care about the team.

   • How: Share a quick tip with a struggling colleague this week.
     

     Practice: Say, “I noticed X—here’s what worked for me. Try it?”

Your 30-Day Leadership Prep Plan

• Week 1: Spot a team need—offer one idea to help.

• Week 2: Speak up in a meeting—ask a smart question.

• Week 3: Take on a small extra task—nail it.

• Week 4: Help a peer with something simple—build rapport.

• Ongoing: Look for chances to add value daily.

Reflection Questions

• Which step feels most natural to you now?

• What’s one skill you need to prove you’re leadership material?

• Who’s a leader you admire—what can you borrow from them?

Book Recommendation

The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

Summary

Julie Zhuo was thrust into management at Facebook in her mid-20s, going from an individual contributor (IC) to leading a team with little preparation. The Making of a Manager is her candid, practical guide to what she learned on the fly—and it’s a goldmine for anyone eyeing leadership. She demystifies the transition, showing that leadership isn’t about having all the answers or a fancy title; it’s about intentional actions that drive impact. Zhuo shares how she overcame self-doubt, learned to prioritize people over tasks, and built trust through trial and error. For aspiring leaders, her story is a roadmap—starting as an IC, she had to prove her potential by taking ownership, supporting her peers, and thinking strategically long before she managed anyone. The book blends real-world stories (like her first awkward team meeting) with actionable advice on communication, decision-making, and fostering growth—skills you can practice now to stand out. It’s not a theoretical tome; it’s a mentor’s playbook for navigating the messy, rewarding journey to leadership, whether you’re leading a project or prepping for your first team.

Takeaways:

1. Success = team growth, not yours.

2. Trust beats control—be open.

3. Learn as you lead—no one has it all figured out.

Final Thought: Lead Now, Title or Not

PS If you have liked this content you will love my Leadership Toolkit, get it free here