Being Great at the Work Doesn’t Mean Being Great at Leading the Work
Leadership is a unique challenge, especially in mission-driven fields such as education and other non-profit sectors where the stakes are high, emotions run deep, and the work is deeply personal. Yet, it’s not uncommon to encounter leaders who seem woefully unprepared for the role. Why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we fix it?
One of the main reasons some leaders struggle lies in the career path that brought them to leadership in the first place.
Being Great at the Work Doesn’t Mean Being Great at Leading the Work
Many leaders such as principals, peer coaches, and department heads arrive in their roles because they excelled in the original work itself. A teacher who consistently delivered stellar lessons and built incredible relationships with students seems like a natural fit to lead a school, right?
Not necessarily.
Leadership is an entirely different skill set. It requires stepping away from the familiar, hands-on work and embracing the complexities of leading adults. It’s not just about managing tasks or setting a vision; it’s about understanding people, systems, and how to foster a culture where others can thrive. Unfortunately, many leaders are thrown into these roles with little preparation for these demands.
Teaching Adults Is a Different World
One of the biggest shifts for new leaders is recognizing that adults don’t learn the same way students do. Adults bring their own experiences, biases, expertise, and emotions into every interaction. They are often more resistant to change and may require a different level of emotional intelligence and facilitation skills to engage.
A common pitfall for leaders is treating professional development or staff meetings like classroom lessons. Adults need a sense of autonomy, relevance, and opportunity for collaboration. A leader who can’t shift their mindset to meet these needs may find themselves losing the trust and respect of their team.
Leading Requires New Skills - and a Willingness to Learn
Leadership isn’t just about technical knowledge or experience; it’s about influence, communication, and vision. It requires a leader to:
Navigate conflict with diplomacy and fairness.
Build trust by listening, following through, and demonstrating integrity.
Develop others by coaching, mentoring, and creating opportunities for growth.
These skills don’t come automatically. They must be learned and practiced, often in the crucible of real-world situations. Unfortunately, many leaders enter their roles without adequate training or support. This leaves them to learn by trial and error, which can take a toll on their teams and their own confidence.
What Can Be Done?
If we want better leaders, we need to rethink how we prepare and support them. Here are three strategies to start:
Provide Robust Leadership Training: Leadership development should be intentional, ongoing, and grounded in the realities of the field. Aspiring leaders need opportunities to build skills like coaching, facilitation, and strategic thinking before they take on leadership roles.
Create Systems of Support: Leaders need mentors, peer networks, and regular feedback. No one should lead in isolation. Building strong support systems helps leaders grow and prevents burnout.
Redefine What Makes a Leader: Instead of promoting people solely based on their expertise in their previous roles, organizations should look for candidates who demonstrate potential in critical leadership competencies, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication skills.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is hard. It’s not a natural next step for everyone, and that’s okay. The key is recognizing that leading isn’t about being the best at the work itself; it’s about empowering others to be their best. When we invest in helping leaders build the skills they need, we create better work environments, stronger teams, and a brighter future for everyone involved.
So, the next time you encounter a leader who seems to be a “case study” in struggle, consider this: Were they ever given the tools to succeed? And if not, how can we do better by the leaders of tomorrow?
