Christopher Evans

I was hired as an individual contributor, but over the past year I've effectively become a team lead without the title or pay. How would you handle this?

Nancy, I actually look at this as an opportunity rather than a negative. The fact that leadership is asking you to take on responsibilities beyond... your individual contributor role says they see leadership potential in you. It also demonstrates that you’re a team player who can balance your own work while helping others succeed. Those are valuable skills that many organizations look for. I wouldn’t confront your manager or demand a resolution. Instead, I’d use your one-on-ones to start a constructive conversation. Something like, “Now that I’ve taken on these additional responsibilities, what does the path to a formal leadership role look like? What milestones would you like to see from me, what is the timeline, and how does compensation fit into that progression?” Sometimes companies are evaluating someone before creating the role or allocating the budget. Having that discussion helps set expectations for both sides.
At the same time, don’t overlook what you’re gaining.  more