Low and Open

"Why is the ocean the greatest body of water? Because it lies below all the rivers and streams, and is open to them all.

What we call leadership consists mainly of knowing how to follow. The wise leader stays in the background, and facilitates other people's process. The greatest things the leader does go largely unnoticed. Because the leader does not push or shape or maipulate, there is no resentment or resistance.

Group members genuinely appreciate a leader who facilitates their lives rather than promoting some personal agenda. Because the leader is open, any issue can be raised. Because the leader has no position to defend and shows no favoritism, no one feels slighted; no one wishes the quarrel."

--- From "The Tao of Leadership" bu John Heider

(not for any particular reason, just came across it and liked it)