My son was very disappointed in high school. He was not selected as a captain on the cross country team because it was a popularity contest and we Christians (family name not religious persuasion) tend not to win popularity contests.

I told him not to worry. High school is not life. There are more and better things to come.

In the army he has now risen to the position of major. His people love him because he doesn't flaunt it. And whatever the task, he is right there with them pitching in.

And he now realizes what is important in a leader. It isn't being popular, but being trusted and respected. And it is about being smart, people smart.