From Pup to Pack Leader: Coaching Through the Messy Middle
You’ve just stepped up. You’re no longer “one of the team.” But you’re not quite the seasoned leader either.
Welcome to the messy middle.
That awkward, in-between space where relationships shift, expectations rise, and your sense of identity wobbles a little.
At Blue Dog Culture, we call it the pup-to-pack-leader phase. It’s the part of leadership no one really warns you about — the bit where you feel like you should have it all together, but secretly you’re still figuring it out.
And that’s exactly where coaching can change the game.
Why the Messy Middle Matters
This phase is not about getting it perfect. It is about learning how to lead with clarity, confidence and courage especially when the ground beneath you feels unsteady.
You are managing former peers. You are navigating shifting boundaries. You are trying to find your voice, without sounding like someone else.
It is emotional. It is awkward. And it is completely normal.
Coaching during this transition creates space to:
Pause and reflect on what kind of leader you actually want to be
Face the internal doubts before they derail your confidence
Untangle tricky dynamics with people you once shared daily banter with
Step into authority without losing authenticity
Coaching in Action: The Work We Do
When we coach leaders in the messy middle, we focus on real stuff. The kind of shifts that don’t come from a textbook, but from slowing down, tuning in, and working through the layers.
We talk about things like:
Having the conversation — honestly naming what’s changing and what it means
Setting boundaries early — deciding what’s work talk and what stays personal
Listening without getting defensive — especially when feedback hits close to home
Making hard calls — not waiting until the tension becomes culture
Letting friendships evolve — and making space for new kinds of connection
It’s not about abandoning who you were. It’s about becoming who you need to be — for yourself and your team. Check out our free resource here which outlines 10 ways to go from teammate to leader.
You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out
Leaders in transition often carry the weight of “I should know this by now.” But the truth is, this space is where growth happens. Coaching brings clarity to the chaos. It helps leaders see the patterns, shift the habits, and build the inner muscle it takes to lead well.
At Blue Dog Culture, we don’t hand out cookie-cutter advice. We ask the brave questions. We help leaders follow the scent of what’s possible. And we walk beside them as they navigate the path from pup to pack leader tail wags, missteps and all.