Yep - this was my gut feeling also. It isn't a bad time to reflect and improve yourself but I wouldn't take it personally. From your OP, I'd say... - grow a

Yep - this was my gut feeling also. It isn't a bad time to reflect and improve yourself but I wouldn't take it personally. From your OP, I'd say... - grow a much thicker skin - form and share your opinion more often - actively seek out other leaders at your level or above to see how you can improve _something_ (this is often just watercooler/gossip for leaders/managers but it is part of the game) - take a more active part in guiding the team processes If you really just feel comfortable as a developer then just guide the development process - help create/iterate on/enforce style guides and other development pieces. You can do this with very little people leadership skills but still have a visible impact on an organization.