Values centered leadership: Why leaders can lose their way

What motivates a person to become a leader? What then motivates a leader to lead an organisation to power? Does power corrupt or does it motivate and inspire?

This interesting article by Bill George looks at why and how some leaders their way. Some may say "absolute power corrupts absolutely" and that may be true if the "leader" is looking at ego first, money and a desire to do whatever it takes to get to the top and stay there. Bill says and I think this is true of a good leader "reframing their leadership from being heroes to being servants of the people they lead" is to my way of thinking the best way of motivating employees as well as themselves. What do you think?

Why Leaders Lose Their Way — HBS Working Knowledge

Leading is high stress work. There is no way to avoid the constant challenges of being responsible for people, organizations, outcomes, and uncertainties in the environment. Leaders who move up have greater freedom to control their destinies, but also experience increased pressure and seduction.

Leaders can avoid these pitfalls by devoting themselves to personal development that cultivates their inner compass, or True North. This requires reframing their leadership from being heroes to beingservants of the people they lead. This process requires thought and introspection because many people get into leadership roles in response to their ego needs. It enables them to transition from seeking external gratification to finding internal satisfaction by making meaningful contributions through their leadership.

Maintaining their equilibrium amid this stress requires discipline. Some people practice meditation or yoga to relieve stress, while others find solace in prayer or taking long runs or walks. Still others find relief through laughter, music, television, sporting events, and reading. Their choices don't matter, as long as they relieve stress and enable them to think clearly about work and personal issues.