Rabbi Facing Toward Congregation or Away from Congregation

BSD Shalom uBrochoh! I was having a discussion with someone & we have a question regarding something that occurs in Chassdishe Shuls/Shteiblach, including Chabad Shuls. Perhaps you can answer it iyH for us.
In Ashkenazic Shuls, the minhag (or perhaps halachah) is for the Rav of the shul to sit facing the Congregants, with his back toward the Mizrach. Many of these shuls also have the minhag/halachah to invite “elders” or leaders of the shul to sit up front, again facing the Congregation. It is my understanding that Rambam zatsal, and others, Posken that this is the halachah – that shuls should be arranged in this manner. One of the reasons given is that by having the Rav facing the Minyan, they can look/watch him, and iyH be inspired by his davening & kavannah, etc. The same with the others that are sitting up front. As well, the Rav can look out onto his congregation & be assured that they are davening appropriately, and if Gd forbid, there is an issue, he can more readily address it.
Perhaps there are additional reasons as well. However, in Chassidishe shuls/shitblach, the prevailing minhag/halachah is for the Rebbe or Rav to sit facing the Mizrach, as all the congregants do – with his back toward the Minyan. Further, we usually do not see other mispallelim “honored” with sitting up front in the same fashion. It’s most always only the Rebbe/Rav that does this.
The question that we have is, why the difference? If it is a halachah to sit facing the Congregation, what are the mekoros that the Chassidishe velt relies on to do differently from Ashkenazim? Why is it different? If it is minhag, then what are the reasons for the different minhagim and what they based on?
Further, do you know what the prevailing halachah/minhag is in Sefard Shuls, Nusach Eidut Mizrachi, Yemini, and with other kehillos?
I would appreciate an answer, if possible, with references included.
Many thanks! Time is important as we are waiting to continue our discussions.
Ksivah vChasimah Tovah – Lshannah Tovah uMesukah – a goot bebentshed yohr with all of our prayers answered by HaShem Yisborach openly revealed & only for the good … with the ultimate Brochoh of the IMMEDIATE arrival & revelations of the HaMelech HaMoshiach Tzidkeinu Shlita – NOW!!!