I found this comment:
"A leader is somebody who has followers - nothing more, nothing less."
very interesting, I do think that it is completely correct, but may be completely missing the issue of leadership IMHO. Yes a leader will have followers, but it is his/her qualities that makes people follow them, and not the mindset of the 'followers'.
I think that leadership is quite common in the military, but very lacking in civvy street. The reasons for this are just so obvious (to military types) that they don't need explanation, but are also beyond the mind scope of many civilians.
It must be fair to say that followers of a 'leader' may well work harder for him/her and show loyalty to the leader, but the same group would not follow a simple 'manager' or work to their best for him/her.
It reminds me of another quote that is a favourite of mine:
"Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad"