Leadership is a multifaceted role, often misunderstood as a simple requirement to step up whenever the opportunity presents itself. But the reality is more nuanced. I want to dive into my personal journey of leadership—why I hesitated to take on that mantle initially, how my perspective changed over time, and ultimately, why it’s okay to step back and prioritize other aspects of life.
The Reluctance to Lead
When I was working as a master electrician, one question came up repeatedly: “Why don’t you start your own company?” People would ask me this all the time. And while it might seem like the next logical step, I always hesitated. The idea of managing people, equipment, tools, and all the other operational aspects of running a business seemed overwhelming. There’s more to being an electrician than just the technical work; running a business means wearing multiple hats. I’ve seen friends succeed in their own electrical companies, and while I admired them, the thought of managing taxes, inventory, and personnel never appealed to me. It just seemed like too many moving parts, and quite frankly, it was not something I was passionate about.
I had accepted my role as an electrician within an organization, but the truth is, I had no real passion for the work. I believe you don’t need to be passionate about everything you do, but it helps. And for the majority of my career in that field, I wasn’t. Yes, I made good money, especially as a young man, working long hours—sometimes 70-hour weeks—but the physical and mental toll was significant. As I got older, it became clear that the long-term sustainability of that lifestyle wasn’t realistic. Even those who ascend to leadership roles like foremen still face the on-call demands and sacrifices that can cut into personal life.
Transitioning to Marketing: Finding a New Passion
When I made the decision to go back to school and pursue a marketing degree, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But once I started working in marketing, I found myself truly enjoying the process. The people aspect of the job, working closely with clients and helping them solve their problems, was something I could get passionate about. For the first time in my career, I felt like I wanted to contribute more, not just do the work, but actually make the business better.
As I took on more leadership roles in marketing, I found that I loved it. I enjoyed the responsibility and the ability to shape outcomes in a positive way. Unlike my time as an electrician, where I was just going through the motions, I now felt like I had a purpose. My desire to lead grew naturally from my love for the work.
The Executive Suite: A Shift in Perspective
However, my journey didn’t end there. As I moved into the executive suite and took on more responsibility, I began to see a side of leadership that I didn’t love. The company I was with at the time was going through changes, and while I understood the business decisions that were being made, I found myself disconnected from the work. A good friend once told me, “Sometimes in your career, you’ll go into survival mode.” And that’s exactly what happened—I was just collecting a paycheck.
When I stepped down from my leadership role, it wasn’t because I didn’t care. In fact, it was the opposite. I stepped down because I believed it was the right thing to do. I had read Traction by Gino Wickman, which talks about the importance of having the right person in the right seat. At that time, I wasn’t the right person for that seat. Stepping down felt like a way to open the door for progress, for the company to move forward without me in the way. It was a difficult decision, and it changed how people viewed me. Some thought I had given up, but it wasn’t about that. It was about making space for the right things to happen.
A New Beginning: Learning to Let Go
After leaving the company, I found myself in a new place, and I can honestly say it’s been a great experience. The new role allows me to focus on doing good work without the pressure of leadership. Interestingly, people have asked if I’d want to step back into management, and for the first time, my answer is no. I’m making the same salary, but without the added stress of being in charge. And honestly, it’s been a relief.
That said, I do feel a hunger to lead again—but I want to be sure that if I step into that role, I’m truly needed and able to add value. I believe leadership is about much more than just being in charge. It’s about understanding the ins and outs of your position and fostering trust and truth among your peers. Right now, I’m in the process of learning the nuances of my current role so that if the opportunity to lead arises, I’ll be prepared not just to manage, but to contribute in a meaningful way.
I had to remind myself that it’s okay not to be a leader all the time. Sometimes you don’t need to be in control to enjoy what you do. In fact, this new role has allowed me to focus on more important things in my personal life—my wife and I are working through IVF, and being able to support her through that process without the added pressure of a leadership role has been invaluable.
This new chapter has given me space to grow personally while still contributing professionally. And as I continue to build trust with my team, I can see the potential for stepping into leadership again when the time is right, but only when it feels like I can truly make a difference. For now, I’m learning, observing, and being patient with the process.
The Importance of Balance
Looking back, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t just about stepping up and taking control. It’s about knowing when to lead and when to step back. The company I’m at now has great systems and processes in place, which means I don’t feel the same pressure to fix everything. Instead, I can focus on contributing where I’m needed and trusting that the team can handle the rest.
And that’s the key takeaway: It’s okay to step down. It’s okay to focus on other aspects of your life. You don’t always have to be in charge to make an impact. Leadership is not just about being at the front; sometimes it’s about supporting from the background and allowing others to take the reins.
In the end, finding fulfillment in work is about balance—between passion, responsibility, and personal priorities. And right now, I’m in a place where I can close my laptop at the end of the day, feel good about the work I’ve done, and focus on the things that matter most to me.
Thanks for reading.