Leadership Isn’t a Promotion—It’s a Skill

All too often, organizations treat leadership as a reward—a prize that comes after proving yourself in your current role. Or worse, it’s the result of an unexpected vacancy that needs filling fast. You do great work, check all the boxes, and suddenly you’re leading a team.

But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t a promotion. It’s a skill. One that can—and must—be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.

In my work with leaders across industries, I’ve seen this play out again and again: high performers are promoted into leadership roles without the preparation or tools to succeed. They’ve been rewarded for technical expertise or individual results—but leading people is a completely different game.

Here’s what I’ve also seen: the best leaders don’t wait for a title to start leading. They start early. They ask good questions. They listen to understand, not just to respond. They influence outcomes and support others’ success. These aren’t traits that show up when your title changes. They’re skills you can develop long before you manage people—and ones you need to keep refining once you do.

When we treat leadership like a status symbol instead of a capability, we set people up to struggle. Talented professionals find themselves overwhelmed the moment they step into their new role. They’ve been celebrated for what they could accomplish on their own—and now they’re in entirely new territory.

It’s time to flip the script. Let’s talk about leadership as something you learn, not something you earn.

If you’re early in your career, find ways to lead without authority—facilitate a meeting, mentor a colleague, take the lead on a cross-functional project. These moments build leadership muscle long before you have direct reports.

And if you’re already in a leadership role, remember: growth doesn’t stop at promotion. The best leaders are still learning. They stay curious, adapt, and create space for others to thrive.

When we stop treating leadership like a milestone and start treating it like a skill, we set people—and organizations—up for real, lasting success.

Where are you practicing leadership right now—whether or not you have the title? I'd love to hear how you're developing your skills and supporting those around you.