There are those that choose to lead and there are those that choose to follow.  Leadership is a skill, a talent, and an art form.   Some people are instinctively good leaders, while others have to really work at developing the skills required. 

Regardless of whether a leader has natural-born talent for leadership, or has worked hard at becoming a leader, a leader will possess these qualities: the ability to see beyond a particular situation, and understand the consequences of any given action within the realm of the situation; the ability to empower, inspire and guide those under his or her supervision; the passion, desire and fortitude to stay the course during turbulent times; the ability to change direction when the situation warrants.