To turn every skirmish into a battle siphons off energy that is needed for bigger things. It is a sandlot approach to problem solving. The effective leader lets the trivial pass into its own oblivion while saving valuable strength for the important struggles. Thou shalt view rank as a responsibility, not a privilege . People respond to rank because of its legal nature.
People follow leaders regardless of rank, because of their personal qualities.
Theorists distinguish between formal and informal leaders. Both are important. Both can abuse their position. Formal leaders lose their effectiveness when careerism takes over. Informal leaders can be destructive when personal ambitions override organizational goals.