Oh Crap! I Have To Lead People
NOW WHAT?
A field guide when you are new to leading
Is This You?
You just got promoted—or maybe someone quit—and suddenly, you’re in charge of a team. No manual. No mentor. Just a new title… and a lot of pressure.
Struggling
Are you struggling to lead a team that doesn’t seem to listen?
Wondering
Wondering how to give feedback without sounding like a jerk?
Torn
Feeling torn between being "the boss" and being yourself?
Worried
Worried you'll mess it all up because you’ve never done this before?
You are not alone...
Most new leaders are thrown into management with zero training and sky-high expectations. One day you’re everyone’s go-to peer, the next you’re expected to motivate, manage, delegate, coach, and perform—with no roadmap in sight.
The result?
Stress, doubt, awkward team dynamics… and the sinking feeling that you’re faking it every single day.
Because Finally...
Leading is hard
just got easier
No buzzwords. No ivory-tower theories. Just straight talk, lived experience, and a refreshingly honest guide to navigating the messy, human side of leadership.
- First-time team leads navigating the jump from peer to manager
- Startup founders learning how to lead as they build from the ground up
- Accidental leaders who were promoted without real training
- Professionals tired of outdated, top-down management advice
- Anyone who wants to lead with empathy, authenticity, and effectiveness
A No-Nonsense Guide Every New Leader Needs
Oh Crap – I Have to Lead People . . . Now What? by Marcie Shelton is a practical guide for new leaders who find themselves suddenly in charge of a team. The book is structured around the author’s personal experiences and insights, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-life application. Shelton emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and continuous learning in leadership.
The book is divided into three main parts: Learn, Do, Be. This model serves as the foundation for developing leadership skills. There are worksheets in between sections to encourage real-world application and reflection.
Learn
This section focuses on the importance of gaining knowledge and understanding the fundamentals of leadership. Shelton shares her own journey of learning to balance functionality with empathy, highlighting the significance of understanding what motivates employees. She advises leaders to “respect what people are running toward” and to make work meaningful and compelling.
Do
In this part, Shelton emphasizes the importance of practice and application. She encourages leaders to take action, even when they are unsure, as doing leads to learning. She provides practical examples and scenarios to illustrate how leaders can support their team members in developing new skills and taking on more responsibilities.
Be
The final section is about becoming the leader you aspire to be. Shelton discusses the importance of consistency and sincerity in leadership. She shares stories of her own experiences and the lessons she learned about the impact of body language, feedback, and showing up for your team.
Not Just Another Leadership Book
This isn’t another leadership book that tells you to “just be confident” and call it a day. After reading Oh Crap – I Have to Lead People . . . Now What? You’ll be able to
Lead with clarity, courage, and compassion
Turn self-doubt into practical confidence
Create a sense of belonging that makes teams thrive
Handle hard conversations and give meaningful feedback
Build leadership skills through real-world practice, not just theory
And Become the leader your team needs
Meet The Author
Leaders often come to me when their organizations are at a crossroads. Maybe they’re experiencing rapid growth and need to realign their leadership team. Maybe they’re navigating a cultural shift and want to bring people along with clarity and purpose. Or maybe they’ve recognized that their way of working—while successful—has become unsustainable, and they’re ready to build something stronger for the future.
I help leaders turn these moments of transition into opportunities. Through my work in organizational health, I guide companies in creating workplaces that don’t just manage change but thrive in it. Whether it’s refining decision-making processes, strengthening leadership dynamics, or fostering a culture that fuels engagement and innovation, my focus is on solutions that are regenerative rather than depleting.
My approach is deeply rooted in both strategy and human connection. I believe that strong organizations aren’t built through rigid structures or quick fixes but through intentional leadership, open dialogue, and a commitment to meaningful progress.
After spending years in corporate America, I chose a different path—one that prioritizes sustainable work, purpose-driven leadership, and a healthier way of operating. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll likely find me with my family somewhere in nature, always drawing lessons from the resilience and balance of the natural world.
If your organization is at a turning point and you’re ready to build something stronger, let’s talk.
Marcie Shelton
FAQ's
Is this book only for corporate leaders or managers?
Not at all. This book is for anyone stepping into a leadership role—whether you’re managing a small team at a startup, a nonprofit project, a remote crew, or even leading a volunteer group. Leadership is about people, not position.
I’ve never led a team before. Will this book be too advanced for me?
It’s written exactly for you. Marcie Shelton knows what it’s like to be thrown into leadership without a clue. This book breaks it down in plain language, with real stories, simple tools, and actionable steps you can take—starting today.
I’ve read other leadership books before. What makes this one different?
Most leadership books focus on theory.
This one focuses on you.
Shelton combines real-life experiences, honest struggles, and the practical Learn – Do – Be model to guide you from confusion to clarity. No buzzwords. No ego. Just a book that understands where you’re at and helps you lead in a human, effective way.
Is this book helpful for remote or hybrid team leaders?
Absolutely. The principles in this book apply whether your team is in the same room or across time zones. You’ll find advice on communication, trust-building, feedback, and motivation—all of which are essential in virtual environments.
Will there be any tools or extras included?
Yes! Each section comes with worksheets and reflection prompts so you can immediately apply what you’re learning. Think of this as a mini leadership workbook—something you can write in, return to, and grow through.
When will the book be available?
Oh Crap – I Have to Lead People . . . Now What? is currently in pre-launch.
Join the waitlist or sign up for updates to get:
Early access to a free chapter
Launch date notifications
Exclusive bonuses for early readers!
Still Not Sure If This Book Is Right for You?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you have questions or just want to know more before diving in, we’re here to help. Let’s talk leadership—real, honest, human leadership.