You touch on something that's an important part of human consciousness and how we evolve:

We are all unique and brilliantly talented but in our own ways.

...people stop bringing their best because they look to leaders to do it for them

What we perhaps are really looking to learn here is how to find balance; how it is OK to truly admire someone for spending 25 years to become a brilliant musician in a way we cannot fathom; but reciprocally they cannot fathom our 25 years' experience growing amazing vegetables.

There is that fine line — and that seems to be what you're driving at, here — between "idolizing" and simply recognizing and admiring someone for what they know and have to teach; what we can learn. Someone who has dedicated their life to improving the world and themselves do deserve our respect and admiration; but not to the point where we abdicate our own accountability and contributions... what the spiritual world I mostly work with calls "idol worship."

And yes, we can totally make the world a better place, and it starts with simply being aware.

Bright Blessings to you!

Re-steeming.