who seeks popularity at the expense of the organization's best interests in their decisions -- who, as I suggest in terms of a universal idea, is not a desired leader. If the questions to be answered from this article answered are, "Why do I want to lead?" and "What's the purpose of my leadership?" -- it is the reply to these questions by those selecting the leader for a position, or their understanding of the answers given by the prospective leader, that offer the chance to put the best possible person into a leadership position. Of course a leader must be introspective, but to avoid a leader losing their way it must be ensured initially that the leader has the right traits. Frank Riganelli Author, http://www.freado.com/users/28684/frank-\\... Former Fortune management, consultant, trainer Values-based/ethical/etc leadership is a very hot topic now. Leadership based on strong, servant values works and is very much in need. I love the article and comments, but fear it may be a truism that "values-based leadership" and leading by knowing our True North are good things. Unfortunately, one's values are not achieved from articles, MBA classes, and such. Somehow we've got the values we've got "right now," and for many of us, they are not the right ones to properly lead. Even thought we may buy the books or go to the webinars, very few of us are going to change something so fundamental as our values--even if values are the latest business trend and flavor of the