Don't talk about "leaders" because of their titles or designations! They are just persons in positions of authority, commanding others to follow their orders rather than empowering them to do better. Subordinates have to comply and please their bosses for fear that non-compliance would attract sanctions.
Instead of romanticizing the attitudes of persons in authority, we should talk about leadership which is activity-context-and- impact-based. To me, leadership is just to inspire or influence others to think or do things otherwise they would not think or do. Effective persuasion basing on principled arguments with relevant, compelling and resonating messages is the key.
To persuade effectively, one must have the right values, intellectual capacity and communications skills. The context and timing that create a relative standard of what is acceptable at the time are relevant. If a person is not even liked or respected eg too self-regarding and exploiting, there is no way s/he could win others' support.
Leadership is neither inborn nor staying with certain persons, but can be acquired like other skills through learning. Anyone having integrity can liberate their potential and qualities to inspire or influence others to do better so that others would follow them voluntarily. I can testify that anyone can exercise leadership in any circumstances anytime!