@DavidKnuffke definitely a word I think about often and I definitely agree that a word like leader like a few others is best left for others to call someone. I know I might be a leader in something when others call me that.
I also think about "leadership positions" and how some people who hold them are not people that I would characterize as "leaders" at all. I am mindful of the Peter principle, the lack of leadership training many receive, nepotism, privilege, and that many "leaders" are managers.
@ZingerLearns very much in line with my own thinking. Leading seems to be an emergency property best spoken to by those who observe/experience working with you. Not to say that self-reflection isn’t crucial for leadership work, only that if you’re actually leading it will show up without you needing to proclaim it into existence.