Why do many professionals prefer to "pass the buck" instead of stepping up to lead?

I entered the corporate world at 18. At 20, still in my second year of a Business Administration degree, I took on the challenge of managing my first team. Every member of that team was older and more experienced than I was. Why did they choose me? Because the others preferred to avoid leadership — there was a fear of rejection, of the weight of making unpopular decisions, or of the pressure of becoming a "showcase" for everyone else. Even without feeling 100% ready, I had big dreams, personal responsibilities, and I decided to face the challenge head-on. I sought to apply in practice what I was learning in college, and the team was extremely generous with me because I showed the humility to ask for support.

This resistance to stepping up doesn't only happen in companies. We see it on the world's biggest stages, such as in soccer. Recently, there have been discussions about leadership in the Brazilian national team. Cases where the responsibility for decisive moments — such as taking penalty kicks — ends up divided or delegated. Regardless of tactics or coaching staff decisions, great leaders are held accountable for their ownership. As Ronaldinho Gaúcho rightly said, more was expected from those who already have a history and experience in the sport, as in the case of Vinicius Junior.

Looking at the penalty kick numbers in major competitions, we see the weight of responsibility:

• Bruno Guimarães: 8 attempts, 7 conversions (78% success rate). He missed one key chance, but he was there.
• Vinicius Junior: 11 important penalties, 8 converted (72% success rate).
  
  

Soccer, just like the business world, punishes omission. Gabriel Jesus used a perfect phrase for decisive knockout-stage moments: "This is the phase where the adults are separated from the children." There was a lack of maturity to overcome adversity — something that was, for example, in abundance in Lionel Messi's Argentina, which mounted a heroic comeback against Egypt after the 80th minute. They were "adults" and advanced to the quarterfinals.

What is the great lesson from all of this for our careers?

If we shy away from "taking the penalties" that arise throughout our journey, we will miss unique opportunities for growth. No one is born ready to lead. Development comes from a combination of three factors:

1. Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths and acknowledging your weaknesses.
2. Continuous learning: Pursuing theory (undergraduate degrees, courses, MBAs, etc.)
3. Practical experience: This can only be gained when you accept stepping up to the penalty spot and taking on the risk and the responsibility.

I have no regrets about having stepped into leadership early. I made mistakes, I got things right, but I raised the bar of my career because I wasn't afraid to have the ball at my feet. It's a good thing I made that decision — I'm terrible at soccer, just a die-hard fan like every Brazilian. 

What about you? Are you taking ownership in your workplace, or are you passing the buck?