Leader of the pack

[Kashima]

This thread goes out to all the people in the forums who would consider themselves leaders especially those of large groups. What does it mean to be a leader honestly ? Do you boss others around, look out for their best interests, try to lead them toward realistic and morally sound goals, or just try to teach them while learning all the time yourself ? As of late ive been wondering no better yet questioning myself and wether or not i have done my pack any justice. Mine is one that consists of maybe twenty people various ages but all older than me nontheless. For whatever reasons they look up to and choose to follow me. There are times when i understand this and times still yet when i dont, However it seems even with my help and influences unless i am constantly leading them by the hand they fail miserably at anything of real relevance. One cant make it to school consistently enough to graduate another has fallen in line with the ignorant masses allowing himself to be assimilated and perhaps the greatest hurt was one of my newest members someone who showed infinite promise and potential who willingly stabbed an ally and friend of ours in the back i just spoke with him this morning on the matter and had to leave before i was tempted to hurt him over the dishonor. So is it something im doing wrong ? Are the failing because of something inadequate within within myself am i somehow detrimental to those i would want to help? I find it strange that whenever i befriend someone and offer them my respect and admiration they find the quickest and most efficient path to shattering it. Its sad when in your own mind you no longer give others the benefit of the doubt but it seems to be the only way to keep from being constantly dissapointed when you set high goals for people and they fall so short of them. So please offer comments and advice hopefully this will stir some lively debate.