Usually they get propped into leadership positions when they have a track record of getting others to "dream more, do more, become more". Engineers as a breed

Usually they get propped into leadership positions when they have a track record of getting others to "dream more, do more, become more". Engineers as a breed usually run to mgmt/blame mgmt when they can't get their brethren to do things. So when an engineer shows up, who can get other engineers to follow, then that's one special unicorn you take care off, protect and support.