You don't have to hold a position in order to be a leader.

D’Angelo’s line distinguishes leadership from formal authority. It argues that leadership is primarily a set of behaviors—initiative, responsibility, influence, and service—rather than a title conferred by an organization. The quote elevates “informal” leadership: the person who models standards, solves problems, mentors others, or speaks up for what is right can shape outcomes even without managerial power. It also implicitly critiques bureaucratic thinking that equates rank with impact, suggesting that organizations and communities thrive when individuals act with agency and moral courage regardless of their place on an org chart.