At work recently I helped lead an effort to solve a technical problem. I had been aware of this problem for some time, at least a month. However, I was hesitant to take action.

Now that I'm on the other side, I feel I have a better understanding of my state of mind.

Getting the right people in the room

This problem required the coordination of several team mates. I took the initiative to put us all in a (virtual) room together, and we were able to make significant progress.

After the technical progress, further coordination was required to wrap up. I took the initiative again and the problem was finally solved.

In hindsight, I can see that the challenge was primarily coordination and not technical. I just had to get the right people in the room!

You don't have to do it all

Which gets to an understanding of my state of mind: because I didn't feel that I could solve the problem on my own, with my own technical skills, I hesitated to take action. The problem also went beyond my own typical responsibilities, which gave me pause.

Certainly, others with the right skills, responsibilities, and context should step in. Right?

Not so right! While I could not solve this on my own, I could play an important role in coordinating the team to solve the problem.

This has been a great, albeit small, opportunity for leadership: I was not instrumental in solving the problem with my technical prowess, but rather in coordinating others.

Management is a skill

I feel good about my role in this effort. I have also identified areas of improvement when future leadership opportunities arise: recognize the leadership gap earlier, take bolder action, and communicate effectively.

This small example has redoubled the importance of effective leadership, and the difference it can make to success - even in small problems.

Management is a skill: some have natural talent, but most have to work to develop it. Do so - it makes an impact!