The Art of the Pivot: How a Single Team Challenge Redefined My Leadership
Not long ago, I found myself in a situation that made me rethink everything I thought I knew about leadership. I was managing a team that, on paper, was perfectly capable. We had clear objectives, a solid plan, and the roles were well-defined. But as every leader knows, reality doesn’t always go according to the plan. One of my team members, who I had counted on to deliver a crucial piece of work, suddenly hit a wall. They were somewhere between incapable of and resistant to learning something new that was critical for the project’s success.
And just like that, the responsibility fell back into my lap.
At first, I resisted the need to step in. As a leader, your role is to guide, not to do all the heavy lifting, right? But the deadlines were looming, the work still needed to be done, and I had two choices: wait for my team member to get on board or roll up my sleeves and get the job done myself.
I chose the latter.
The Pivot: From Leading to Doing
This pivot wasn’t just about taking over a task. It was about shifting my mindset as a leader. I had to pivot from being the person who directed the team to becoming an active participant in the work — someone who led not just by instruction but by example. And in doing so, I realized that leadership is more than just assigning tasks or motivating others. Sometimes, leadership means stepping into the trenches and doing the work yourself when necessary.
But it wasn’t just about doing the work. It was about bringing that team member along for the journey.
I could have easily dismissed their resistance and moved forward without them, but I knew that wouldn’t be a long-term solution. Instead, I had to pivot my approach to teaching and mentoring them through the process. I had to meet them where they were — understanding their resistance and incapability — and find a way to bridge that gap.
A New View of Leadership
This experience completely reshaped how I view work and leadership. As much as we want our teams to operate like well-oiled machines, the truth is that people don’t always progress on the same timeline or in the way we expect. Being a leader isn’t just about steering the ship; sometimes, it’s about grabbing an oar and rowing alongside your team until they’re ready to steer themselves.
And that’s where the art of the pivot comes into play. Pivoting isn’t about abandoning your role as a leader or giving up on your team member’s potential. It’s about recognizing when a change in approach is necessary — whether that’s taking on more responsibility temporarily or guiding someone through a challenging learning curve.
This experience didn’t just change the way I lead teams; it also changed how I operate in my own business and career. I realized that being agile enough to pivot is one of the most critical competencies in today’s world — whether it’s managing a team, running a business, or navigating your own career.
The Ripple Effect: Applying the Pivot to My Business
As I’ve moved forward in my career, that lesson has stuck with me. In my own business, I’ve become much more attuned to when it’s time to pivot — whether it’s adjusting a strategy, reassessing a client’s needs, or even shifting how I approach my personal goals.
It’s funny how one seemingly small challenge can set a series of changes in motion. What started as a team management issue became a broader lesson in agility, patience, and the importance of flexibility in leadership. And now, whenever I face a challenge in my business or career, I ask myself: Where can I pivot? How can I shift my approach to get the best outcome?
Why the Pivot Is Critical in Today’s World
In today’s fast-paced work environment, change is inevitable. Jobs evolve, industries transform, and the skills that got you here won’t always take you to the next level. But what remains constant is the need to be agile — to pivot when circumstances demand it, and to lead with both adaptability and empathy.
Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or navigating your career, the ability to pivot is essential. It’s not just about changing direction but about staying flexible, ready to jump in, and willing to change your approach when the situation calls for it.
And as I’ve learned firsthand, sometimes the pivot isn’t just about the work — it’s about how you lead, how you show up, and how you evolve.
So the next time you’re faced with a challenge that forces you out of your comfort zone, ask yourself: Where can I pivot?
Because the art of the pivot isn’t just about survival — it’s about thriving in a world that’s constantly shifting. And those who master it will be the ones who move forward with confidence and success.
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About the Author
Patrice Williams-Lindo is a renowned career coach and the founder of Career Nomad, specializing in helping high-achieving professionals disrupt the status quo and achieve extraordinary success. With a focus on bold career pivots, Patrice offers insights and
strategies to empower leaders to redefine their careers and leave a lasting legacy.
