For some people leader is someone who have a control over the team, who decides and sets the right directions.
For some people leader isn't so important role at all, well, just some guy with something he called soft skills, guy who want to do nothing, take no responsibility and get money for this.
For other leader is just another name for project manager or a titile for a developer who started to earn more money.
In many cases you aren't become a leader, because someone notice that you will be good as a leader or that you have traits of the great leader. In many cases is just another step on career ladder.