Mike-

I think that you have hit on what I posit is the first step of leadership which is leadership of self. B/c it requires the work on oneself, I think that it is often looked over as being important.  But I think that it is essential in the work of a leader to have figured out themselves as a leader--what type of leader they want to be, how they want to lead, what type of leadership is necessary.   I also think that you describe the creative tension  ( big peter senge fan) that exists for self leadership which is " what type of leader am I now and what type could I be" with the right ( coaching, training, development).  Clearly you have hit a sweet spot for my work as a leadership development practiioner.  And one of the ways that I have been selling " self leadership to my clients" is to say " listen if you learn how to lead yourself, your leadership becomes portable and its not reliant on a title or a role. " seems to resonate.

Ericka Hines