The Nature of Leadership

"Locke argued that if altruism is about self-sacrifice, then leaders who want to be truly altruistic will pick a job that they do not like or value, expect no rewards or pleasure from their job or achievements, and give themselves over totally to serving the wants of others.  He then asked, 'Would anyone want to be a leader under such circumstances?'  (Avolio & Locke, 2002, pp. 169-171).  One might also ask, Would we even want such a person as a leader?"  (314)