When you are dealing with the masses, position yourself in front; the position of influence. When dealing with an individual, position yourself at the back; the position of power.
#quotesbyme
A crooked employer may assume being powerful by taking advantage of your desperation, but you are actually in a position of power because you owe them nothing; not loyalty, no-obligation, not even respect. You can quit whenever you want.
Someone who is above the ladder has the least chances of surviving when they fall.
This, we call servant leadership. You lead from in front, but you consider yourself less important than your followers.
To be a leader with real power, you need to be an explorer and willing to take big risks. Your followers would then be willing follow your footsteps.