Sometimes leadership isn’t about holding onto a seat—it’s about creating opportunities for others.

A few years ago, I found myself in a situation many leaders dread…my role was made redundant. I had about three months to figure out my next steps.
Oddly enough, I wasn’t worried about myself as much as I was about my team. Somewhere deep down, I felt confident that I’d find a way forward with my 20+ years of experience. But my team? They were my immediate priority.

For weeks, my focus was on building business cases and showing the leadership team the value we, me and my team, delivered and what might be lost if our team was disbanded.

Then one day, my MD called me and said: “We can retain you, and maybe one more person. Who should that be?”

In that moment, I surprised even myself. I told him there was no point retaining me. I had reached the peak of my career in that organization. Instead, I suggested retaining another high-potential employee, someone who could grow and build their future there.

The MD was stunned. “Are you really saying no to being retained?” he asked. I said yes.

After more discussions, the decision shifted—he agreed to retain me and three others. But I didn’t stop there. I used every avenue—social media, professional networks, personal outreach—to help other team members find roles internally and externally. Slowly, some members were absorbed into other parts of the organization, some decided to take a sabbatical wilfully, and some start thier own venture. All in all, everyone on the team has either secured a role of their choice or were doing that they intended to.

The most rewarding part? Watching my team feel safe, valued, and determined to make the most of their second chance. Their commitment deepened. Their energy soared. And I walked away humbled, knowing that leadership is not about holding onto a seat rather it’s about creating opportunities for others.

Here are the Leadership Lessons from This Experience

** Put the team before yourself: True leadership often shows up in tough moments and it builds trust and loyalty that lasts beyond any role.
** Redefine success: Sometimes, success isn’t about keeping your title, it’s about ensuring others thrive, even if that means stepping aside.
** Influence with integrity: Making a strong case for your team’s value isn’t self-serving, it’s stewardship.
** Expand your support beyond the walls: Leaders don’t just protect their teams internally; they open doors externally too.
** See endings as beginnings: This experience planted the seed for my entrepreneurial journey. Losing a role made me realize I didn’t want to always be at the mercy of corporate decisions. Sometimes, uncertainty is the nudge toward reinvention.

In the end, leadership isn’t about how many people report to you. It’s about how many people grow because of you.

I’d love to hear: Have you ever faced a career crossroad like this? How did it shape your perspective on leadership?

Shanti Sharma

Shanti Sharma ICF PCC / EMCC Sr. Practitioner / Mentor Coach

Founder | Author | Leadership, Executive and Team Coach | Facilitator | Mentor Coach

Sometimes leadership isn’t about holding onto a seat—it’s about creating opportunities for others.

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