“show horses not work horses” is taken from Mike Pompeo’s book talking about politicians who spend most of their efforts being flashy, vocal, camara hogs ,wanting to be seen and heard. Unfortunately their desire to be noticed is too often to promote themselves instead of the needs or desires of those they were elected or appointed to serve. Yes the word is “serve” not “self serve”!
To serve means to put forth effort for someone to achieve their wants or needs. Self serve means you are focused on achieving your personal desires or goals. I think leaders, whether elected or appointed, should focus on what those who put them in the position need or want done, and if they do the job well I think they will get the desired personal rewards they are expecting, which I in no way oppose.