Leadership have never been any simple.
Day in day out a leader is expected to give
their best even when the supposed support
by the followers are discouraging.
However, three words can describe a great leader.
What makes a great leader?
courage = the leader face the matter at hand,
speaking their minds about their duties and that
of the others.
+integrity = doing the required even in
absence of the people
+communication = the ability to communicate
(speaking and listening) what is being done
and what needs to be done.
Leadership is about influence. Nothing less, nothing more. Like you said, it's not a simple work and that's why not everyone can be an effective leader.
Many found themselves in positions of leadership but are far from being leaders. Positions do not make leaders; leaders make positions. Interesting you can lead without being in position.
Leadership is about making impacts and influencing the lives of people within your circles positively. However, impacts cannot be made if some qualities are not intact. One among all is unquestionable character. People must be able to trust you and see that you are full of integrity. You life and character must speak volumes of positivity even when you are not physically present in a place.
Leadership is not for the weak. Leadership is impact.