makes ambitious power-seekers so troublesome is that there is always a group of followers eager to jump on their bandwagon. These underlings lack character as well as the leadership ability to hold the foremost position. But they will eagerly grasp at secondary positions of power if only someone will lead them.
Whenever someone in an organization rises up as a critic or a rebel or an opponent, there will usually be those who lend their support. Such people believe that to have influence themselves, they must attach themselves to someone with power or a voice. These are people who look for shortcuts. They do not want to earn their positions. They cannot bear to trust God for their future. So they cast about for a rising star and quickly hold on for the ride.
Leaders must beware of those who are in their midst but whose loyalty can easily be bought. Such fickle followers can turn on you if they sense it is to their advantage. Even as they proclaim their steadfast loyalty, they are gazing about for opportunities to achieve their goals, even if it is at your expense.
Wise leaders are not fooled by empty promises and hollow pronouncements of commitment. They identify those in the organization who are uncommitted to the greater cause. Astute leaders never presume that everyone on their team or in their organization is wholly loyal to them, regardless of what they claim.