Each of us has a variety of people whom we consider to be our leaders from time to time depending on the context (i.e., our group, organization, geographic region)

These leaders might be our choice or by a combination of appointment and personal selection.  Their power might have been earned by them, granted to them, or a combination of earned and granted.

Power Base

To lead you must have a power base.  This can be something you developed through your actions or perhaps you are designated the leader by dint of organization or election.

More often than not guile, wit and intellectual prowess versus physical strength are the cornerstones of effective leadership although the use of brute force has been known to be somewhat effective if not usually sustainable over long periods.

Followers

Even if you are designated as a leader, without followers you are nothing.   Typically if you disaffect your followers because of inappropriate behavior your leadership days will be numbered.

This applies whether you earn your power base or start with it by default.  If you are not able to gather and retain followers there is nothing to lead and by definition, you are no longer a leader.

Observe

Effective leaders are aware of how their followers view them and most importantly are empathetic with how their followers are feeling.

Without empathy, followers will view you as a narcissist.  This adulation will most likely be brief and accompanied by mass defection.  Leaders need to be focused on their followers not on themselves

The most effective leaders, those that both retain and build their followers observe carefully and then act accordingly.