Sports analogies sometimes need a bit of explanation. In North American football, punting is when a team kicks the ball down the field and gives the ball to the opposing team.

Deciding when to punt is a strategic decision. On the last down, if they are far away from making the required 10 yards to achieve another first down, they most often punt the ball up-field as it is safer.

There are times though when it is a better decision to disregard the risk and just “go for it.” For instance usually near the end of a game when it is essential to score points, the team may attempt to hang on to the ball and try the last down, even if it means they don’t make it. Given the circumstances, it may be better to take the risk of not making a first down than going for a sure loss of possession.

There are also times when the team is so close to a first down, maybe a few feet, that the odds are good that they will advance the ball enough to get a first down.

I’m significantly oversimplifying the process, but the point is, that in the game of football, there are times when it makes sense to give up possession of the ball to play it safe and have another chance later.

That’s football. That isn’t business. That isn’t your livelihood. When you are given the ball at work. Don’t punt – ever.

Here’s an example where I leaned this lesson the hard way.

In one of my roles I had a boss that was by all definitions incompetent. He had peter principled out and everyone, including his boss, knew it. As it turns out, my boss’s boss asked me to lunch. Apparently, no particular agenda, just a perk recognition lunch of sorts for some recent successes.

During lunch, the topic of my boss’s performance was brought up. Tough spot. I grew up with a sense of ethics and morals that dictated never to slam your boss. Always support them. That isn’t a totally altruistic approach. In a very real way, your bosses success reflects on you and your ability to succeed and make him or her succeed.

At this lunch, I was being asked point blank how my boss was doing.

I punted. I didn’t throw him under the bus. I protected him under a sense of obligation or loyalty. I know now that I made the wrong call. That was the last promotion I received under this boss’s boss. He was looking to see if I had what it took to call the game. I didn’t. I was given the ball and it was up to me to take the risk and go for that first down or kick it down the field and hope for the best on the next play. In this case, there was no next play.

The message here isn’t to malign your boss, or your coworkers or peers for that matter. Maybe this was the wrong example since it may hit home for the wrong reasons. The point is though to recognize when you have been given the ball. Take the risks that are associated with having that possession. You are being given the ball for a reason. Do everything you can to make the play of the game. Punting is never the play of the game.

Here is another example that may resonate. Have you ever been given an “opportunity” to do something that is outside your domain or expertise? Something that clearly you aren’t the best choice for. When that happens… you have the ball. You can choose to punt or gracefully sit that one out, but that would be a mistake. Do the best you can. Try and crush it. That doesn’t mean working your regular pace and hoping for the best. That means turning it on until you have nothing left to give.

Take the risk and rise to the challenge. It’s not necessarily a test. However, it is an incredible opportunity to shine. Even if you fail… your effort will be noticed.