do we really want the people who are supposed to be guiding and caring for humanity and the planet to be in the positions they are in because of their willingness to be ruthless?

No. And that is the problem, we have sociopaths at the top while the good guys are at the bottom, not always but that seems to be the norm.

The old system of representation by vote is outdated, electing a president and then let him/her run as he pleases is not cool. Voting for every proposal and making sure proposals are Best for All would be the way. Thus not giving authority to a ruthless individual but voting all the important decisions the population. Of course there needs to be more education in general so people can vote being informed of what is Best for All -- so we have quite a ride yet, but it will be surely fun!