Picture yourself at the base of a towering rock wall. You’ve spent years honing your craft as a climber—your movements are instinctive, your equipment second nature, and each ascent is a personal challenge that you conquer with precision and skill. Now, imagine stepping away from the wall. You’re still an expert climber, but this time, you’re standing on the ground holding the rope for someone else. The climber you’re supporting hesitates, struggles, and doesn’t seem to hear your calls to “move right.” Frustration bubbles up. You know exactly what they should do to succeed, but you can’t climb the wall for them.

This is the essence of transitioning from individual contributor to first-time manager. It’s not just about knowing the climb; it’s about supporting someone else’s journey to the top and letting go of being a solo climber