I believe that the essence of leadership is love, because the legacy of a leader is every life (s)he has touched.
Thinking about your legacy in terms of every life you’ve touched is motivating to be a problem solver.
“Fill everything with love, because everything moment you’re building your legacy” (O Winfrey) and let your work, ie your service to others, be an expression, a manifestation of love.
If you agree, next step is that you rate yourself as a leader.
If you don’t, I’d like to hear your thoughts on what the essence of leadership is.