Why Wearing Many Hats Can be the Fast Track to Leadership

Just think about this for a moment; there’s something kind of thrilling about being the person who just… knows how to do it all. You fix the printer, calm down a frustrated teammate, onboard the new hire, and somehow remember where the backup snacks are stored. People say things like, “You’re a lifesaver,” and sure, it feels good, and it feels like there’ll probably be a promotion in the near future, too, right? Okay, it’s great until you’re two minutes away from snapping because your brain’s juggling nine different jobs and no one’s offering to help.

Sure, wearing many hats might not be what you signed up for, but it’s one of the fastest tracks to a leadership role. Just generally speaking, to a degree, most people are expected to do this anyway. You’re learning on the job, in real time, and doing the kind of work that builds serious problem-solving muscle.

But of course, that’s highlighting the good, because at the same time, it’s also one of the fastest ways to burn yourself out.

You’re Already Doing the Job

A lot of people think leadership starts with a title. But here’s a little reality check: it usually starts long before that. It starts the moment you’re the one keeping everything moving. The one smoothing out miscommunications, stepping in when something’s slipping, or making sure that one coworker actually remembers to eat lunch.

All of that? Yeah, it’s exhausting, but at the same time, that’s technically leadership in disguise. Again, it’s not flashy or glamorous, but it’s real. And you’re not doing it because someone told you to (at least hopefully you’re not). Instead, you’re doing it because you care enough to make sure things don’t fall apart. Overall, great leaders show initiative, trust their intuition, and think on their feet.

You Need to Build Structure Around Your Chaos

Thankfully, for the most part, all that multitasking isn’t for nothing. It gives you an edge, well, if you know how to use it. But of course, the work culture needs to be considered too. Anyways, getting back to the point, start putting some structure around the mess. Instead of winging it day after day, pick up a few solid tools to make things smoother.

For example, if you’re constantly handling the people side of things, a bit of HR training can make your life a whole lot easier. It helps you deal with everything that HR people need to know in the workplace (and leaders need to have an idea about HR anyway). So this is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re chasing a leadership position (or technically in one). If you’re basically being the Jack of All Trades at work, it helps just to add some knowledge, right?

But it’s Also a Lot, isn’t It?

Alright, with that all said, it’s still best to not sugarcoat it. Being the “go-to” person is exhausting. It’s not just about having a packed calendar; it’s the mental load of constantly switching gears. One minute you’re trying to fix an HR issue, the next you’re fielding IT questions like you moonlight as tech support. And while everyone’s clapping for how adaptable you are, no one’s asking if you’ve had a lunch break in three days.

It’s not very fair, right? While yes, it’s great getting recognition for your talents, you still need to set some boundaries too, or else you’re going to have burnout.

Career Reload Team

We’re a team of writers and career experts who share practical insights to help you navigate the professional world. Our members include Certified Professional Résumé Writers (CPRW) and Certified Digital Career Strategists (CDCS), and we bring experience from many industries to help you build your career with confidence. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.