
HBR On LeadershipMaking the Shift from Individual Contributor to Leader
Apr 22, 2026 · 38 min
Once you’ve committed to a leadership role—whether formally or informally—getting everyone else at work to buy in requires relationship management. The steps to transition from individual contributor to leader can seem daunting, especially when so many aspects of work and the world are in a constant state of flux. How do you successfully shift the role you’re playing on your team? What sorts of co…