[scannergirl]

I think that it means learning all you can about the animal you want to lead and communicating in such a way that they willingly follow. Trying to get a dog to see you as his leader doesn't work when you treat him like a horse (trust me, I've tried).
It doesn't matter what it means to YOU to be a leader, only what it means to the animal. Without an understanding of how that animal thinks, learns and reacts you will not be able to effectively lead because they won't follow.
It's about earning respect, IMHO