Leadership begins with self-leadership. Leadership begins with clarifying one's own heart, soul, and mind, not with focusing on the followers. They do not allow their personal agendas to get in the way. Leaders are not afraid of having strong associates. If you work for your people, your purpose as a leader is to help them accomplish their goals.
Leaders create more leaders.
By listening to their followers, leaders will not be primarily players or even coaches, but designers of the game who bring out the best in others. Leaders must also be followers. Leaders must encourage experimentation and innovation which means risk and the likelihood of mistakes which in turn can produce learning. The old pyramid organization wanted no mistake and therefore discouraged innovation and experimentation. Leaders opt for authority more than for power.