From Doer to Leader
- Deepankar Dey (Deep)
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 18

Moving from an individual contributor to a manager is a big leap. I thought I was ready—it turns out it was a whole new game.
Transitioning from being the sole contributor to managing a team was an exciting leap. However, it was a far more complex process than I had anticipated. I was used to diving in, making decisions, and swiftly delivering products. Suddenly, my role was centred on the team's performance—and letting go of control was a significant challenge. I found myself wanting to fix everything personally, which only hindered our progress. I had to learn to step back and coach instead of doing the work myself, a process that involved making mistakes and learning from them.
Managing a team felt a lot like raising kids—you gotta know when to help, when to let them figure stuff out, and when to cheer them on. It's like when you're teaching a child to ride a bike. You provide support and guidance, but you also need to let them try on their own. Hold on too tight, and they don't grow; step away too soon, and they feel lost. Providing honest feedback, supporting without micromanaging, and maintaining a clear vision requires practice. Talking to mentors and reflecting on my experiences helped me a great deal.
The best part is seeing my team crushing it in ways I couldn't have done it alone.
If you're considering this transition, be aware that it's a challenging yet ultimately rewarding journey. The true victory comes when your team excels—and you have the privilege of cheering for them from the sidelines. Celebrating your team's success is not just a reward for them but also a source of inspiration and motivation for you as a leader.
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