Leadership or a shipless leader

Leadership. It is something to be respected and admired. Leadership is a wonderful quality in a person. Notice that I did not say "people in leadership roles", as there can be a difference. I have met some wonderful natural leaders. These people have a magnetic personality, big picture thinking and vision, as well as the humbleness to still understand and connect with the people they are serving. Leaders after all, are leaders to serve, whether a sports team, a corporate manager, a parent, pastor, or political official. These people are in their role to advance the group they are over.

So, if that the the function of a leader, why are there those in leadership roles that put self-promotion and self-preservation above advancement of the group? I guess some people may feel threatened if someone else has the ability to lead as well. I understand that no one wants to be passed by a co-worker or subordinate. However, in a perfect world, if this happens it would be an opportunity for self-reflection as to what you need to work on to move forward. A great example of this is the presidential primary process currently underway. The mindset seems to be, if you can't move yourself ahead, focus on bringing those around you down in order to make yourself look better.

I don't know about you, but this is not the type of leader that I could get behind and feel confident that they are simply not just out for themselves. As said by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia,“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”