Leadership and thank you note (free write)

"Leadership is the ability to influence others" unfortunately for some this quote conjures images of commanding leaders bossing or ordering their subordinates around. However, if we notice there is no mention in this quote of a leader "bossing" or "ordering" someone around. Similarly, there is no reference to titles or positions, it simply refers to those that can influence others as leaders. Even though it is not stated in this quote, it is implied that the influence we wield should be a positive one. I know many of you know this already, and having looked at the amazing work you are all doing I consider all of you leaders. However, this past week I was sadly reminded that some leaders have forgotten that our ability to influence others should be used in a positive manner. I was at a conference out of town and was thrown aback by the attitude that many of these "leaders" had about their community and their roles in making things betters for others. I guess that in their mind after you achieve a certain level of success you can stop worrying about others and focus on maintaining that success.  Because I have been surrounded by leaders like yourself for so long now, I had almost forgotten that we are in a real leadership crisis even within our community. So I want to take a moment and thank all of you for your leadership, for your ability to influence me in a positive way, and for giving men hope that we as leaders have the ability to transform our communities in a meaningful way.