Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions or giving inspiring speeches. Sometimes, it’s about being honest with yourself—even when the truth is hard to hear. Every now and then, the person getting in the way of your business isn’t an employee or a partner… it’s you.

Yes, it can feel uncomfortable, but as a leader, growth often means recognising when it’s time to hand over the reins. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned CEO, knowing when to “fire” yourself (or step back from your role) can be the most courageous and business-savvy move you make.

Why Would a Leader Need to Step Down?

Leadership roles aren’t one-size-fits-all. As businesses grow and evolve, the needs of the company change. And in some cases, the leadership style that built a business isn’t the same style that will scale it. The real question is…

What does it mean to “fire yourself” as a leader?

It doesn’t mean quitting your business or losing your vision—it simply means admitting that someone else might be better equipped to lead this next chapter. You can still play an important part, just not necessarily from the top chair.

Here Are 5 Signs It Might Be Time to Step Aside

Are you unsure whether to consider firing yourself? Here are some telltale signs:

• Your energy and passion have faded.
  When leading your organisation drains you more than it drives you, that’s a big red flag. You’re showing up, but your heart isn’t really in it anymore. And if you’re leading on autopilot, your team can feel it too.
• You’re the bottleneck to progress.
  Are projects constantly waiting on your approval? Do you often feel like everything has to go through you to move forward? If so, you might unintentionally be holding the business back.
• Your team avoids bringing you problems.
  When employees don’t come to you with concerns or suggestions, it’s usually not a sign that everything is perfect—it could mean that your leadership style has become intimidating or out of touch.
• You resist innovation or change.
  If the idea of new systems or approaches instantly triggers defensiveness or doubt, you might be stuck in your comfort zone. Businesses that don’t evolve often get left behind—and so do their leaders.
• The business needs skills you don’t have.
  Maybe you’re great at starting things but not so strong at scaling them. Recognising this isn’t a weakness—it’s a smart, strategic move. Know your strengths and know when to bring in someone with different tools in their toolbox.

Which types of leaders should be especially mindful of these signs?

If you’re a founder wearing many hats, a creative visionary, or someone who’s emotionally invested in every part of your business, these signs are especially worth watching for. Often, entrepreneurs mix their identity with their company, making it tough to let go—even when it’s necessary.

What To Do If You Need to Fire Yourself

So, you’ve read the signs, and they hit close to home. What now?

Don’t panic—this can be a powerful turning point.

Here’s how to move forward:

• Start with radical honesty. Take a step back and evaluate your impact objectively—look at the numbers and listen to real feedback from your team.
• Seek outside voices. Bring in a coach, consultant, or trusted advisor to help you assess your fit and options. Getting an outside opinion can shine light on blind spots you may not see alone.
• Redefine your role. Think of ways you can still offer value without leading from the front. Maybe you’d thrive in a chief creative officer role or an advisory position instead of CEO.
• Bring in a better fit. Don’t look for a clone of yourself—look for someone with complementary skills and fresh energy. Someone who can do what you can’t or don’t want to do anymore.

Remember, replacing yourself doesn’t mean stepping away from your business entirely. It just means finding the best way you can serve it now.

Think of It Like a Sports Team

If you’re a coach and your team stops winning, would you keep calling the same plays over and over? Of course not. In business, the same idea applies. Being a good leader sometimes means knowing when to step out so new talent can step in.

Are You Leading Your Business… or Just Managing It?

Here’s something to think about: Are you focusing more on daily tasks than long-term goals? If you’ve become more of a manager than a leader, maybe it’s time to shift your focus—or make space for someone who can.

Self-awareness is a superpower. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs know when their strengths are no longer aligned with the needs of their growing company. They move aside strategically so their business can flourish—even if it hurts their ego a bit in the process.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Goodbye, It’s a Strategy

Firing yourself doesn’t mean failure. In fact, it might be the smartest business decision you make. It shows you care more about your company’s future than your title. And that’s what real leadership looks like.

So, take a moment today and ask yourself—am I still the best person to lead this business?

You may be surprised by the answer. And that’s okay.