He was not swayed from his purpose by the fact that thousands were spontaneously following him up and down the roads of Judea. Though, on one hand we see him moved with compassion for the crowds and the needs represented by them, his focus was on preparing his hand-picked followers for the responsibilities he would pass on to them. Even though he was aware of the crowds, he left ministering to them to teach his disciples when they came to him. There is a danger in becoming a leader. That danger is that we will so focus on that role that we cease to be all else that we were.
Unselfconcious leaders are free to be servants because they have no leadership agenda.
Their purpose is to work not to lead. Naturally, as they excel in their service, followers will come along. But the moment a servant leader becomes a selfconcious leader, he is in jeopardy of ceasing to be a servant. In his earthly ministry, Jesus was a leader, but his focus was on his service. We never see him worrying about his fortunes as a leader.