I was a living example of the Peter Principle in action during my career. I thrice failed as a manager but excelled as a cubicle number cruncher. Despite having desired educational creditentials, I can look back in retirement and see that I did not have the psychological makeup to be able to effectively direct the activities of others to achieve goals. I freely admit I was too emotionally soft to hold people accountable. I achieved my highest level of mediocrity but thrived in levels of less responsibility.
Most people would not admit that. I got stuck behind a few folks who could not bring themselves to admit they were over their head. It had to get ugly and stressful before these guys got blown out.
It would have been easier to step back and say, “whoa” this ain’t for me.”