The Leadership Gap: Moving From Individual Contributor to Manager
Moving from a strong technical role into your first management position can be one of the most challenging career transitions leaders can make. One day you’re the go-to problem solver for code or architecture decisions, and the next you’re expected to lead a team, delegate effectively, and resolve conflicts efficiently.
The challenge? Very few new leaders receive formal preparation for this leap. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, 60 percent of new managers report they never received any training when they stepped into leadership. That lack of support creates a ripple effect across organizations: nearly half of managers are considered ineffective.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Delegation & Prioritization: Learning when to step back and when to step in.
- Building Trust & Influence: Establishing credibility beyond technical skill.
- Strategic Communication: Adjusting your message when speaking to executives versus peers versus front-line team members.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing issues before they undermine performance.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Reading people, picking up on cues, and flexing your style for different personalities.
The difficulty isn’t just the additional work, it’s about defining your identity as a leader. It’s often a shift in mindset (less me, more we) that inspires others to follow you.
The good news? Leadership skills can be learned. With practice and the right support systems, technical experts can grow into effective, trusted leaders others want to follow.
How Paragon’s Leadership Forum Helps
Recognizing this need, Paragon launched its IT Leadership Forum more than 15 years ago to support professionals making the leap from individual contributor to manager. The program has guided hundreds of local IT leaders through their first years of management, giving them the tools, peer connections, and confidence to succeed.
Who Should Join?
The Iowa Forum is designed specifically for IT professionals who have entered management within the past 24 months.
Why Participate?
- Shape Your Leadership Identity: Define the kind of leader you want to be and develop the skills to lead with intention.
- Connect with Local IT Leaders: Build relationships in a confidential, supportive environment.
- Solve Challenges Together: Share experiences, tackle real-world issues, and walk away with practical solutions.
The next cohort begins Q1 of 2026 and we are now accepting applications and nominations. Click here to learn more.
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