When You Think You’re Ready to Lead — Here’s How to Know for Sure
"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." —Jack Welch
In my early twenties, I was promoted to manager of a team where most of my employees were older, more experienced, and in some cases, more educated than I was. Some were frustrated, even angry, that I had been chosen for the role. I knew that if I didn’t win them over, my leadership career would be over before it started.
So, I called a meeting. I acknowledged their frustration and told them they had every right to feel that way. I wasn’t going to pretend I knew more than they did, but I promised them one thing: I would support them. I would help them advance in their careers and always have their backs.
And I followed through. Over time, they became the best team in the organization—not because of me, but because of the trust we built together. Many of them went on to have successful careers, becoming great leaders themselves.
That experience taught me a fundamental truth about leadership: It’s not about knowing the most or having the perfect résumé—it’s about serving others and bringing out the best in them.
If you think you’re ready to lead, the real question isn’t about your qualifications or title. It’s about your mindset, your ability to inspire, and your willingness to grow. Let’s take a deeper look at what it truly means to be leadership-ready.
Leadership Is More Than a Title
Many professionals see leadership as the next step in their career, but leadership isn’t just a promotion—it’s a responsibility. It’s about guiding others, making difficult decisions, and creating an environment where people can thrive.
Before stepping into a leadership role, ask yourself: Do I genuinely want to help others grow, or am I more focused on career advancement? The best leaders aren’t chasing power; they’re committed to service.
How Well Do You Handle Feedback?
One of the biggest tests of leadership is how you respond to feedback. As a leader, you’ll be evaluated by your team, your peers, and your superiors. You won’t always get things right, and when mistakes happen, you’ll need to own them.
Do you welcome feedback, or do you get defensive? Do you actively seek ways to improve, or do you avoid difficult conversations? Strong leaders don’t just tolerate feedback—they embrace it as a tool for growth. If you’re not used to asking for constructive criticism, start now. The best way to prepare for leadership is to develop a mindset of continuous improvement.
Making Tough Decisions Under Pressure
Leadership often means making decisions without a clear roadmap. Sometimes, you won’t have all the information you need, and yet, people will look to you for guidance. If you’re hesitant to make tough calls or tend to wait for someone else to step in, leadership might feel overwhelming.
Instead of fearing decision-making, start practicing now. Volunteer to lead projects, handle challenges proactively, and get comfortable with uncertainty. Leaders don’t have all the answers—but they have the confidence to make the best possible choice with the information they have.
Are You Already Acting Like a Leader?
A strong indicator that you’re ready for leadership is when people already see you as a leader. Do your colleagues seek your advice? Do you naturally step up when challenges arise? Do you contribute to a positive team culture?
Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about influence. If you’re already demonstrating leadership qualities, you’re likely ready for the next step. But if you find that people don’t yet look to you for guidance, focus on building trust, supporting your team, and leading by example.
Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence
Great leaders don’t panic in the face of uncertainty—they adapt. Change is inevitable, and if you struggle with unpredictability, leadership will be challenging. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a problem, view it as an opportunity for growth.
How do you handle unexpected challenges? Do you stay composed and solution-focused, or do you get overwhelmed? The ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence will set you apart as a leader.
Do You Have a Vision for the Future?
True leaders aren’t just focused on the present—they think about the future. They have a vision for where they want to take their team or organization and inspire others to follow that vision.
If you’re serious about leadership, ask yourself: What positive changes would I make? What goals do I have beyond my own career growth? Leaders don’t just manage—they innovate, inspire, and create progress.
The Final Question: Are You Willing to Serve?
At its core, leadership is about service. It’s not about power or recognition—it’s about lifting others up. The best way to prove you’re ready to lead is by leading where you are right now.
Take initiative. Help your colleagues grow. Demonstrate integrity and resilience. Leadership isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you step into.
Your Next Step
If this self-assessment has shown that you’re ready, start seeking out leadership opportunities today. Volunteer for challenging projects, take on mentorship roles, and continuously invest in your own growth.
If you found areas where you still need to develop, don’t be discouraged. The best leaders are lifelong learners. Start working on those skills now, and when the right opportunity comes, you’ll be more than ready.
Want more leadership insights? Subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for expert advice and resources to help you grow into the leader you’re meant to be!
The Motive by Patrick Lencioni: The Leadership Wake-Up Call You Need
Why do you want to be a leader? Is it for status, power, or financial gain? Or is it because you truly want to serve, inspire, and make a difference? In The Motive, Patrick Lencioni delivers a powerful reality check, challenging aspiring and current leaders to examine their true motivations.
Lencioni argues that too many leaders see their roles as rewards rather than responsibilities. He breaks leadership into two mindsets: Reward-Centered Leaders, who crave the perks but avoid the hard work, and Responsibility-Centered Leaders, who embrace the challenges of leading with service and accountability. Through a compelling leadership fable, he reveals five critical duties every great leader must own—coaching, managing team cohesion, and making tough decisions, among others.
If you resonated with "When You Think You’re Ready to Lead," this book is your next must-read. It reinforces the idea that leadership isn’t about being the smartest or most experienced—it’s about committing to the success of others.
Ready to redefine leadership for yourself? Grab your copy of The Motive today, and subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for more insights to help you lead with impact!
