[m8rl]

There are different type of leads, not only people managers. There are architects, chief-of-somethings, designers, people who give all their imagination, creativity and experience into leading teams and companies to achieve great things. Clearly that's empowering, and empowering is crucial: Preparing the ground and conditions for people to do their job as good as possible. But it's a lot more, and it's fun and you get feedback and reward.

Let's not get dragged down by this stories how pathetic the reality of leadership roles has to be, this all depends on the leadership structure and culture.

[skeeter2020]

this is a good point. I've been a people manager for about 7 years and I try to help these people understand that they are leaders. I actually think it's a much ahrder form of leadership because they don't have the hierarchy crutch like me; their legitimacy has to be earned. Recognizing the diversity of leadership also helps break the "to go up you need to become a manager" idea, which is toxic for technical organizations.