"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." (1 Pet. 5:3)
A real leader knows the difference between being the boss and being a leader, as illustrated by the
following:
The boss drives his workers; the leader coaches them.
The boss depends upon authority; the leader on goodwill.
The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.
The boss says, "I"; the leader says, "we."
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.
The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.
The boss says, "go"; the leader says, "let's go!"
(From Developing The Leader Within You, by John Maxwell p. 5)
The elders should not rule as a "lords," but should be examples to the flock.