![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWqDvmgM1P7UUm5sgHzX5kPQMrZQ5W1qAdg8cnq74iky7/image.png)
[](http://m.quickmeme.com/img/26/2624febf0ca14fa588c6724be6695cd84d0165e5c776eca61b35c4bd48616823.jpg)

For scope here, I'll list 3 types of people:
- Those who lift people up.
- Those who bring people down.
- Those who don't care.

Steem would be a lot better if there were more people who prioritized shining a light on our community, right? 

...You know, those who lead by positive example by default (not a chore), are always respectful and thoughtful, don't ignore people (except trolls), are secure, and are immune to greed and political pressure (a backbone).

The unfortunate truth is that the positive and growth-driven people we need _are already here_. They're simply undiscovered or victims of apathy, lost in the shadows cast by "too selfish and stubborn to accept failure" influencers and the pawns they promote.

> Will people ever wise up and truly invest in those who have the right stuff to lead -- not those who think they do like some false Steem deity? If not now, when will that time come? The time to fix things is now, not during the chaos of a bull run.

Are Steem Power and post promotion the only ways to realistically get exposure to demonstrate leadership, albeit amidst free downvotes?  I've personally been trying with brute force for over 2 years, so I've clearly not found the answer. If I had tons of SP, would things be different? "Probably..." Yet, ironically, does anyone think SP holdings correlate to real qualifications? "Of course not," they say.

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### Steem Town:
###
Our small town here defers to the familiar faces for leadership, but I know we have better. Many hang out in their saloons and have the occasional shootout. The irony is that we're on the brink of becoming a ghost town... 

We should've been light years down the road with our first mover advantage, and now we're on the ropes. We can't blame Stinc for everything just because we don't want to face ourselves.

As small as our community is (to be positive), the crop isn't _that_ thin where we need accept the status quo of many current leaders/role models. I'm not a hater, but these people simply aren't doing a good job, and are hurting everyone in the process. Heck, some might be thrilled to be booted since people have potentially even stuck them in the role. 


### Solution:
###
...All we need to do is stop engaging with and supporting pyrrhic leaders and start building the right people who deserve it. 

If we stop feeding their egos and reinforcing/normalizing their detrimental behavior, we'll have plenty of energy to refocus on encouraging those who we feel can do better. 

As more people recognize the potential of budding leaders, the effect amplifies and natural platforms are organically made -- the right way.

> Steem shouldn't been sawdust to throw in the enginess of inept leaders/figureheads to keep them putzing around. It should be the lifeblood to foster growth and development like a desert flowers after rain.

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### As some comedic relief, some "role models" gravitate to more of a Jerry Springer role these days, akin to mediating Tanya's love triangle paternity test to the hoots of those in attendance. 
###
While it's entertaining for those have nothing better to do, a huge negative footprint of influence is left... and 99% of the community's really needs unattended. In other words, there are much bigger fires to put out, and bigger fish to fry.

The most common approach to resolve issues seems to be putting a fresh coat of paint on a weak and broken foundation vs tearing it down to replace it with one that'll let us build on top of it. This can be done in many ways. People can flip positions on a dime and naive followers blindly go right along. Whitewashing everything only does so much good. Throwing rewards around or promoting those who make our foundation unsteady has clearly not worked out well, right?

While on the topic, some expect that SMTs and communities will fix things. Hope isn't a strategy. I think these developments will treat the symptoms, not be the cure. Maybe community leaders can rise up, but with such a small town of Steemians these days, the likelihood of anyone making a big splash to shine a bright light across the chain feels like a pipe dream as long as the old guard is still managing.

What we need is a highly visible platform for positive influencers to be heard.  People who have a moral compass, ethics, values and a stable nature to take the bull by the horns. The thought is to make this place somewhere people want to flock to, not a place where those hanging on by a thread can keep hanging on.

> People seem to look forward towards a dangling carrot to fix things instead of taking action to solve today's problems. Perhaps we need some new people who better understand this.

The best leaders are those who were great followers, so I hope there will be a natural changing of the guard when the time is right. Perhaps that time should be now.

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### Logic:
###
When you invest quality time and effort into building a positive influence around here, growth happens. This can be via posts, comments, content, voting, resteeming, sharing advice, making introductions, etc.. 

It's the same with exercising, practicing a craft, or making money. Positive effort = positive results. 

Let's start aligning our attention and focus on those types of people and stop watering the roots of those who aren't doing a good job at this.

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### Un-fun Fact:
###
Look at what came up on the top of GOOGLE when I searched for an image of Einstein's definition of insanity.

![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVd5MmmnLXE3Q4PeEoA4s51whY3FWr9FviURHh9svmjPs/image.png)
[](https://pics.me.me/insanity-is-doing-the-same-thing-over-and-over-again-52732568.png)

_No, I didn't make that meme at the top of the search results..._

God? Is that you sending us a sign?

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Let's support those who consistently prove they have the right stuff to lead who can handle the responsibility. If they don't work out, don't get attached, and try someone else who could fit the bill. We don't need more of the same anymore. We need better, and that comes from giving those who are here trying to grow their positive influence a real chance to develop that drive into even more.

If you don't care, yet expect improvement and a higher Steem price, then you're part of the problem.

Thanks,
@steemmatt