EXOD99 A leader must help those who are subservient to him and never take unfair advantage of them. These officers were Israelites. They had pity on their fellow Israelites and did not force them to fulfill their quotas. When the officers handed over bricks to the Egyptian taskmasters, the taskmasters beat them for not having pressed the workers to fill their quotas. Shmos Rabbah 5:20 cited by Rashi. The Chofetz Chayim writes that leaders very often take unfair advantage of the people under them. The just mode of behavior, however, is never to act condescendingly to others, even if you are elevated to a rank above them. Arrogance is a trait which is strictly forbidden. According to some authorities SMAG [Sefer Mitzvos Hagodol - AJL], Prohibition 64, see B'air Mayim Chayim, Prohibition 5, the prohibition against arrogance is listed among the 613 commandments of the Torah. We should learn from the officers of the Children of Israel who not only did not take unfair advantage of those under them, but who even suffered physical pain to aid them. Machaneh Yisroel, part 2, ch.3.