Crossword Genius

Wrongly took leader down to keep pace with hierarchy (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem pole

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hierarchy' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'wrongly took leader down to keep pace' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'leader' could be 'pol' (pol is a kind of leader) and 'pol' is located in the answer.
'to' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'teme' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem pole that I've seen before include "carved column" , "Am. Indian symbolic erection" , "North American tribal symbol" , "Native American tribal symbol" , "clan emblem" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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