Why we lead?

So I was just thinking about this question.

Why do we lead?

Why does anyone lead another person?

Seems like such an essential question for understanding leadership.

Here are the best answers I have come up with so far.



1. We have something we believe in, and we know it is the best for others, so we encourage others to follow us, doing what is best in their interest.
2. We feel like we have to, or no one else will do it. We are forced into it.
3. We want people to follow us because we want control.
4. We prepare ourselves to lead and fight for the opportunity and when it arises, we jump on it.
5. We have a gift and people naturally follow what we are doing.
6. We know something people don't know or can do something that others can't do, and they follow us to learn it.

So these are ones I have come up with, but which ones are noble. Which ones are worthwhile reasons for leading. Which ones can be used the wrong way? Or can all of them be good or bad depending on the circumstances? Are there any other reasons why people lead?

Are you leading? Why?

I would love to hear your responses.