It is not your title that makes you a leader. It is your influence, inspiration and initiative. Agree ?

"Make me a leader" said my employee.

"What do you mean ? What don't you have ?"

"I do not have authority over other people to tell them what to do."

"Do I ever tell you what to do ?"

"Very rarely. We decide together and you help us to reach the right decision. Or you know the answer and explain it's logic to us. If our logic and our answer is better you listen and use ours."

"Exactly. It is painful for a true leader to rely on his or her authority."

"But what do I need to do to become a leader, then ?"

Leaders are not appointed. People become leaders when they earn and get the following.