A problem with hierarchical organizations, whether secular or ecclesiastical, is that you're promoted based on how well you get along with those above you, not those below you. You can be completely out of touch with the rank-and-file, but rise through the ranks so long as you please your superiors.
I used to be struck by how the icy and aloof Edward Egan could become Cardinal Archbishop of New York. He was entirely lacking in the common touch. How did such a cold fish get jobs requiring social skills?
Cardinal Cupich is another example of a Catholic church leader who exhibits a total disconnect between the impression he tries to convey and the impression he actually convenes. He's too self-centered to realize the hiatus.
But both of them rose to power because they were loyal team-players. That's the ticket to success in hierarchical organizations.
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