Is being successful enough? Do we have the right to demand more?

I was asked a question last week.  The question related to very successful business women.  I was asked if the person in question was an inspirational leader.   It disappointed me to respond; no I don’t believe she is.   She is extremely successful and one of the leading business women in the world.  Whilst I admire her success I wouldn’t ‘walk across broken glass’ for her.  She doesn’t inspire me and motivate me personally.  

This prompts me to ask the question in return – do we have right to ask more of our ‘managers’?   

I deliberately used the ‘title’ manager as opposed to leader.   I believe there is a difference.  Simply managers, manage and leaders, lead.   We follow managers because we have to; we follow leaders because we really want to.  

Do we expect too much of successful leaders in expecting them to spend time with us, to engage with us and to motivate us?   Is it enough for them to meet investor needs, to keep the business viable and to deliver on shareholder expectations?   

I responded to the question in stating that perhaps my expectations were extremely high and perhaps I was being unfair.    Back to my question – do we expect too much? .