Leadership Development as Perceived by Former Subject-Matter Experts Transitioning to Leader-Manager in the Modern Workplac

The purpose of this dissertation was to offer a comprehensive understanding of how former subject-matter experts perceive their transition to leader-managers without any work experience supervising other people. This study examined the literature on the modern contemporary workplace, subject-matter expert advancement, and leadership concepts. The research question was: What are the lived experiences of subject-matter experts transitioning into leader-manager roles without prior supervisory work experience in the modern workplace?;This qualitative study utilized Moustakas' (1997) phenomenology as the primary methodology to conduct interviews with eight former subject-matter experts----currently leader--managers. The recurring themes displayed what subject-matter experts experienced during their transition and how they navigated through them. The results revealed that participants experience their transition and growth from subject-matter expert to leader-manager organically.;The first pattern showcased a subject-matter expert mindset is determined by his or her attitudes and values which influences one's decision to progress to a leader-manager role. The second theme, while adjusting to their new positions, participants are faced with the values of their organizations and the demands of their roles. Using their new knowledge of these values, subject-matter experts compare them with their existing values. Subject-matter experts may realize values or discover aligning values. The third pattern was related to the participants' values which continue to evolve throughout their experience just as their development grows from each interaction they encounter by overcoming conflict, self-reflection, and sensing accomplishment. The fourth theme found in each development cycle a new skill is obtained. A singular moment or training cannot identify the transition from subject-matter expert to leader- manager. In fact, their transformation occurs naturally dependent upon attitude, personal values, work values, development, and skills.;This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of structural and cultural impacts for not only subject-matter experts, but also other employees in the modern workplace. The findings provide information on the significance of matching the personal goals and career goals of high-potential employees. Additionally, this research clarifies crucial focus areas as perceived by subject-matter experts for leadership and management training programs in the 21st-century workplace.