Leaders are an example (of a kind) while dictators tell, order, or "dictate." Leadership itself is a very broad topic. it can refer to anyone who influences (leads) anyone else among other things. Maybe I should state (No, I definitely should state) that I am narrowing it it down to those who typically just lead vs. manage, dictate, or instruct. If that makes any sense. We are on the same page. I'm just drawing slightly different lines.
I've studied leadership for years and I've defined what I think a Leader is vs. what a leader is. I place the difference in capitalization to try and distinguish a difference. If that makes any sense. I do hope I'm not confusing you.
Considering the fact that the OP did not define leadership or what a leader is nor did the OP define authority, you have just admitted to
influencing the conversation toward
your personal definition of what a leader or, as you put it,
Leader is. There by this logic you have just appointed yourself leader of this thread.
Now according to my big ass dictionary that weights like ten pounds, here are some definitions:
Authority: 1. the power to determine, ajudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, comand, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorisation.
Lead: to go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort. 2. to conduct a holding or guiding. 3. to influence or induce; cause.
Leader: a person or thing that leads.
Leadership: 1. the position or function of a leader. 2. ability to lead. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction.
Who gets to be a trusted authority?
Now my intentions with my earlier posts in this thread was to expand on this idea of authority in connection with leadership, as the two commonly go together. And I had some questions, that I'll repeat, "What I meant to ask the SJs is what variables does one personally consider when evaulating the
integrity of a leader? Also how important is the integrity of a leader to you versus their status? When do you start questioning authority? When do you consider a person to have too much power?"
So although this is, in part, part of the conversation lets try to tie it back to the main point so everything flows.
But apparently I am not allowed to expand on the idea. As the 'local SJ authority' has asserted themselves against me. But this will prove to be a detriment to the SJ community as this thread will soon reach stagnation since the OP has been already been adequately answered by TakeFive's post. As a result the thread will die. There will be one less topic for the SJs to discuss which will cause a domino effect in the rest of the forum. Consequently, Eagle will cause the end of MBTIc!!
Now tell me my logic is flawed. Tell me I'm confused or incompetent. Go gather your other SJ friends (or are they your minions?), sick them on me! Back me into a corner and make me submit to your will. You'll be sorry!
(By the way this post is totally a joke.

I'm laughing and you should too.

)