Stuck between Expert and Leadership - How to decide
Being talented in both leadership and an expert career isn't always a gift. You can get stuck because of indecision.
I spoke to a brilliant talent this week. Let's call her Sara. She was in her late 40s. Educated. Respected. Running a team — but not as a formal manager.
As she is part of a talent program, I asked her what is her ideal goal for this program. She explained in detail how she is some kind of Swiss Army knife.
She can do both Leadership or be the Expert. Regarding her age, I told her: This will be your last chance. Her eyes were wide open and she went silent.
The truth hurts.
When somebody in their late 40s can't decide on the direction, it is not very trustworthy. This indecision is also seen by HR and Managers. To keep it short:
She’s stuck.
The problem wasn’t skill. It was clarity.
No criteria. No decision-making framework. Just frustration.
This newsletter is for anyone stuck in that middle zone.
Let’s bring clarity to your next move.
1. First: Understand What Each Path Really Demands
Leadership or Expert demand different focus and skills. A leader has to focus on people, empowering the team, and thinking more strategically.
That sounds great, but of course, there are downsides: You become part of the management that has to follow higher management targets.
Leadership can be very energy-consuming because it is primarily working with people. It's less time management than energy management.
In contrast, as expert, you need to go deep in topics, learning permanently, and become a thought leader. You gain the freedom to decide about directions.
On the downside is that you are never done. Keeping pace with technology can be demanding. This leads to discussions with management. It can be frustrating.
Reading these lines shows that you can't be both. Two different profiles.
Here is a table with a comparison between both. Take a look and read the upcoming question.
| Leadership Track | Expert Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | People, vision, influence | Depth, innovation, accuracy |
| Key Currency | Trust, visibility, storytelling | Mastery, judgment, intellectual rigor |
| Value Measured | Team results, strategy execution | Thought leadership, unique solutions |
| Risk | Political exposure, people issues | Obsolescence, niche limits |
| Reward | Broader influence, budget ownership | Autonomy, subject credibility |
Ask: Which type of value do I want to be known for?
The first step is done, but let's go deeper to get more clarity on the decision.
2. Run the 5-Question Clarity Check
Ask yourself — and be brutally honest:
- Where do I feel most energized — enabling people or solving problems?
- Do I enjoy influencing through others — or through my own output?
- Am I okay with ambiguity, conflict, and performance management?
- Would I miss my craft if I stopped doing it 80% of the time?
- Do I want visibility or credibility more?
Look at the patterns. The answers will provide you a tendency. Trust your gut feeling. Your gut feeling is a great decision helper.
Now, for Sara, these questions are an eye opener because she worked in both roles. But what to do when you didn't have this opportunity?
3. Try “Shadow Testing” Both Paths
One way to decide is to get real-life experience. Don’t decide in theory. Simulate both roles.
"How?" you will ask. "I can't promote myself to a leader." Well, yes, you can. It depends on the perspective.
You can do it on new upcoming topics. Suggest to be the facilitator, to orchestrate, and to delegate. Name your role at the beginning, at people will be OK with it.
The challenge is to stay in your role. It's is too appealing to jump into the topics, especially when you are an expert. Old habits are greeting.
One often overlooked way is your private life. There is always a sports team, a school project, or an event that needs support. Jump in and be the leader.
This is a test for you. How does it feel? It is fun or energy draining or frustrating? These are all signals. It's all about testing how it feels.
You can do the same test for your expert role:
Test Leadership:
- Take responsibility for aligning others (e.g. roadmap, priorities, conflict resolution)
- Coach a junior colleague
- Present on behalf of your team
Test Expert Path:
- Lead a technical deep-dive or white paper
- Represent your company externally (e.g. standards board, journal)
- Mentor someone in your niche domain
Now, ask yourself: Which of these felt natural, fulfilling, and high-value?
Again, listen to your gut feeling and what brings you energy instead of draining energy. Don't do cherry picking!
4. Finally: Decide What You Want to Be Trusted For
Careers are built on reputation. What is your reputation, and for what do you want to be known? This clarity boosts your career:
Ask:
- When my name is mentioned — what do I want people to say I’m great at?
- What kinds of problems do I want people to send my way?
You don’t need to be liked by everyone. You don’t need to do everything.
But you do need to decide what you want to be known and trusted for.
Sara started her clarity journey, but the decision is open.
Clarity is the ultimate career metric and power.
🔚 Summary
We can't be the "I can do it all" person. Serving everyone means impacting nobody, and you will remain stuck. HR and Management will label you as the "missing clarity person. Can't be used for leadership, but neither expert." This destroys your reputation. The way out is clarity on the way forward and a clear decision. Find what fits your values and gives you energy.
Clarity is power.