The leader must give up, to go up. (John Maxwell, leadership author)
This is what Maxwell calls the “Law of Sacrifice.” Every successful athlete knows he has to give up an unhealthy diet and free time to achieve his goal. The person climbing the ladder to a career as a business executive or an outstanding salesman has sacrificed freedom of choice in order to follow orders, “pay his dues” on the way up. The cost of leadership involves willing sacrifice.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).