When people rally around you, expecting you to provide leadership, not to act brings misfortune, friend. Indeed, few situations provide a better opportunity for combining personal advancement with contributions to the general welfare of others -- than the moment when others look to you for guidance and direction. But beware, friend, of the possibility that others are not so much attracted by your competence as they are by what they perceive to be your potential for influence. This kind of sycophancy is regrettable, and must not be misinterpreted by you if you are to remain free from harm. The only way to really gain the confidence of such people is to intensify your own commitment to competence, and high performance standards. In this way you will be renouncing the role or petty influence in your own career -- and thereby advance it in the long run.
