The Rebbe once suggested that a certain young man become a rabbi and community activist.
“But Rebbe,” he countered, “I’m not sure I have what it takes to be successful as a community leader.”
“Know this,” the Rebbe responded, “if your intentions are pure, you have what you need to be a leader. If you will do what you do not for your own sake but for the sake of the community, this merit itself will make you successful.”