A quote from Peter Drucker says, “Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.”
What makes one a leader? Leadership is either personal or positional. The influence one person exerts on another comes either from personal characteristics or positional control. Effective leaders, even those who have authority or rank, lead from personal influence.
Positional leaders tend to focus on privilege and power. Positional leaders often want more prestige and prominence, to be recognized as “top dog.” Personal leadership leads from beneath–through service and empowerment and encouragement. To find oneself in a position of leadership is a great responsibility.
Leadership that ultimately matters does not consider how others view and respect the leader. Rather, it considers how the leader sees and serves others.