Stepping Down

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

Ambitious people are very sure that they are ready to lead.

“I’m ready,” some will say.

“I’m more than ready,” others will say with the arrogance of immaturity.

Then, they get their chance to lead and learn to appreciate the difference between aspiring to lead and doing it.

When I was in my teens, I coordinated a New York County in a Senatorial campaign. No one expected my candidate to win, and we met their expectations.

Although we did better than was expected, I told people what to do. I was a poor manager and a nonexistent leader. People liked me, admired my knowledge, and supported me with what I was trying to do.

Fast forwarding, I co-owned a business with a lazy person. I worked like an animal trying to make a bad marriage work. However, going into business with someone like that was a recipe for failure. I left. We disagreed over the value of the company. He wouldn’t buy me out for a fair price. I shut the business down.

I eventually got an opportunity with a not-for-profit to lead again. This time I knew what to do and did exceptionally well. I led people to exceed their expectations, mentored others into leadership, and lead several exceptionally large workshops for them around the United States.