Satya Nadella proved that a company can be both successful and empathetic.

When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he shifted the company from internal competition to collaboration, prioritising empathy and innovation. This culture transformation not only united the organization, but propelled business performance.

In numerous industries, coordinators serve as the unsung heroes who guarantee that everything operates seamlessly. They form the backbone of operations by overseeing daily activities, enhancing workflows, and ensuring that teams remain focused. However, what truly sets apart a highly skilled coordinator from an inspiring leader? The transition from coordinator to leader is a significant transformation, requiring substantial changes in mindset, skills, and overall approach.

A Coordinator’s role

A coordinator ensures that operations run seamlessly. These professionals oversee daily activities, optimize workflows, and keep teams focused on their tasks. Their essential responsibilities, vital for operational efficiency, include:

• Scheduling and organising meetings or events

• Tracking project timelines

• Facilitating communication between stakeholders

• Managing documents and information flow

• Troubleshooting logistical challenges

  
  

Coordinators are known for their efficiency, organization, responsiveness, and solution-oriented mindset. They excel at executing tasks reliably, demonstrate keen attention to detail, possess outstanding communication skills, and can handle multiple projects at once. However, it’s important to note that their work is often transactional, centering on what needs to be accomplished rather than why it matters or how it can effect change.

The Plateau and the Drive for More

Many coordinators eventually encounter a stage where their responsibilities start to feel monotonous. They yearn for greater impact, additional strategic roles, or chances to influence their organization’s future. This longing represents the crucial first step toward leadership — a desire not just to manage logistics, but to inspire, influence, and drive vision.

Leadership: A Shift Beyond Coordination

Becoming a leader demands a profound change. Leaders do not merely coordinate activities; they mobilise people. They focus shifts significantly from individual tasks to motivating teams, setting clear direction, and fostering innovation.

The journey from coordinator to leader isn’t without its hurdles. Several significant challenges include:

• Letting Go of Control: Coordinators are masters of detail, but leaders must learn to trust others, delegate authority, and allow team members the autonomy to find their own solutions. They cannot (and should not) control everything.

• Developing Strategic Thinking: While coordinators excel at executing well-planned steps, leaders are responsible for setting the overall direction. This involves anticipating obstacles, understanding broader market dynamics, and aligning team efforts with long-term organisational priorities.

• Building Confidence and Presence: Leadership requires confidence — the courage to speak up, make decisions, and sometimes stand alone. Transitioning coordinators may initially struggle with self-doubt, but building “executive presence” is a gradual process, fostered by taking on stretch assignments and actively seeking feedback.

Essential Skills to Cultivate

To successfully make this leap, certain skills become paramount:

• Influence (Not Just Authority): Leaders motivate people voluntarily and seldom rely on formal authority. It is vital to learn principles of persuasion and how to build consensus effectively.

• Coaching and Mentoring: Investing in helping others excel is crucial. Leaders ask questions rather than simply giving instructions, supporting their team members’ growth.

• Adaptability: Leaders must embrace change with optimism and show their team how to navigate uncertainty.

• Conflict Resolution: Tension is an inevitable part of any team dynamic. Leaders mediate differences, find common ground, and skillfully turn challenges into valuable opportunities for learning.

Practical Steps to Make the Leap

• Seek Leadership Training: Attend workshops or seminars. Many organisations offer specific “Emerging Leaders” programmes tailored for those transitioning from support roles.

• Find a Mentor: Identify someone whose leadership style you admire and ask for their guidance.

• Request Strategic Projects: Volunteer for cross-functional teams or initiatives that demand big-picture thinking and strategic input.

• Practice Reflection: Regularly reflect on your leadership impact. Consider what worked well and what areas need improvement.

• Ask for Feedback: Actively solicit honest feedback on your emerging leadership style and areas for growth.

  
  

When coordinators step into leadership roles, they bring their inherent organisational strengths but with a new, broader vision. This transformation has a ripple effect: their teams become more collaborative, innovative, and agile. As a leader, your influence extends beyond mere processes, significantly shaping people’s experiences and successes.

Moving from a coordinator to a leader is not simply a promotion; it is a fundamental transformation. It’s about much more than assuming new titles; it’s about embracing a broader sense of responsibility, influence, and purpose. This journey is continuous, requiring humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to learning. However, for those who bravely make this leap, the rewards are truly profound, benefiting both themselves and the people they have the privilege to lead.