My brother and I joined the boy scouts after moving to a new part of town.  During our first camping trip with the troop, I decided to organize a game of "Capture the Flag."

I had previous experience in a different troop, and I knew what to expect from everyone.  I knew if I didn't organize the game and set up the parameters, it would not have happened.  Since I loved playing the game, I asserted myself.

This made an impression on the adults with us, specifically the scoutmaster.  He saw my assertiveness and decided to make me Patrol Leader even though I was extremely green.

Looking back on that day, I remember giving orders and having the kids follow my orders.  I also remember being mocked but having my orders carried out.  Then we played the game, several times if I remember correctly, and then we were done.

Apparently, I made an impression on the adults.  This impression lead to an ongoing role that I did not expect.

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I only had the rank of Second Class.  They knew this was a little irregular.  I never really felt comfortable in my formal role.  I don't know why.  I wasn't worried about lacking authority because that wasn't the issue.  I guess I just didn't see the point in the ongoing role.  I had duties that I didn't feel invested in.

The adults reminded me I could do it based on that one game of Capture the Flag.  But it didn't help me, at the time.

I eventually got them to reassign me to Assistant Patrol Leader or something, and I was much happier.

Looking back, I'm glad I had that experience.  Sometimes we can assume certain roles under certain circumstances.  We say it's not a good idea to generalize.  But we usually mean between multiple groups of people.  Well, that's true even for the individual.