The difference is where you find progress
When leaders notice what is different and are able to put difference to work they are noticing how change happens, where change matters and what difference it makes to the team.
They are not a Jerk Just Incompetent in Their Work
Leadership is being competent in doing your work. Leadership is establishing a team that follows the vision and work enthusiastically and cooperatively.
If you are NOT COMPETENT in your work…no-one will see you as a ‘good-leader’. This happens wherever you may fall in the managerial hierarchy.
Why should anyone be led by you?
The question of “why should anyone be led by you?” is STUPID. It’s like asking “Why should anyone follow you?”. Lead / follow where? In what role, context, etc… There is no such thing as a free standing leadership role. Following that argument there is no such thing as a leader. There is managerial-leadership, military-leadership, BUT NOT “leadership” or “leaders” all by themselves.