Taking people to the top is more fulfilling than arriving alone: A few years ago I had the privilege of speaking on the same stage as Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mount Everest. During lunch I asked him what had given him the most fulfillment as a mountain climber. His answer surprised me. “I have helped more people get to the top of Mount Everest than any other person,” he replied. “Taking people to the top who could never get there without my assistance is my greatest accomplishment.”
Then the interviewer asked, “Why do mountain climbers risk their lives to climb mountains?” The guide responded, “It is obvious that you have never been to the top of the mountain.”
There is a big difference between a boss and a leader.
Much of the time leaders are not at the top: Leaders rarely remain stationary. They are constantly on the move. Sometimes they are going down the mountain of find new potential leaders. At other times they are trying to make the climb with a group of people.
Jules Ormont said, “A great leader never sets himself above his followers except in carrying responsibilities.
