Leadership Checklist - Not Everyone Who’s Asked to Lead, Asked for That Responsibility

Are you even ready to lead?

I’ve seen it more times than I can count.

A high performer gets tapped on the shoulder for leadership, not because they’re ready, but because they’ve been reliable. Capable. Trusted to get the job done. They are the best at doing the job.

And that’s exactly the moment things start to shift. It starts out as recognition and can quickly become pressure. It looks like a step up and quietly turn into strain. Often, no one’s talking about the impact not on skills, but on wellbeing.

I’ve watched this happen across different organisations.

Different roles. Different people. Same pattern.

And in those moments, what I’m often listening for… is what’s not being said.

The hesitation behind the “Sure, I’ll do it.”

The doubt hiding beneath the confidence.

The quiet cost of stepping into a role without the right support.

How many people do you know have left jobs or even industries because of this?

Leadership Growth Checklist: Essential Questions to Consider Before Embracing a Leadership Role.

That’s why I created the Leadership Growth Checklist.

Not because people aren’t capable of growing into leadership, but because they deserve a better roadmap to get there.

• Too many people are promoted without preparation.

• Too many think they have to figure it out on the fly.

• Too many leaders carry the weight of expectation without the tools or clarity to lead well.

What I’ve learned from watching all of this is simple:

Self-awareness is everything.

When you understand your strengths and your stressors, you don’t just lead better, you make choices that align with who you are. It gives you language, choice, and confidence to say, “This works for me,” or “This doesn’t.”

Growth isn’t a quick fix.

Becoming a leader isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about showing up to your own growth process, day after day. Micro-moves. Reflection. A willingness to keep learning, even when you’re already in the role.

Confidence comes from clarity.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. But you do need a place to start.

We can choose to grow even in the harshest environments.

Because leadership isn’t about the title. It’s about how you grow into it.

This checklist is a tool to help you build your own version of readiness through reflection, action, and self-trust.

It’s for people who want to lead with clarity, not just cope with expectations.

It's time to make your move, are you willing?

Your move.

• What’s one thing you already do that others see as leadership even if you haven’t named it yet?

• What’s one small shift you could make this week that feels more aligned with the kind of leader you want to be?

👉 [Download the Leadership Growth Checklist]

👉 [Let’s talk if you’re ready to grow into leadership without the burnout, without the BS.]

Thank you for reading! I appreciate you.

Emma