Authority tells people where to stand. It can't make them move.
The weak version is easy to spot. Deadlines set without asking. Pressure passed down untouched. Credit travelling up and blame travelling down. The loudest voice in a room where everyone else has stopped speaking. That is control wearing the title.
Most days of the real job look like nothing from outside. Clearing obstacles. Carrying the dull part. Taking the 11pm call so someone else doesn't have to. Standing behind people and letting them be seen.
Then something breaks, and that is the entire job. Step out first. Say what we are going to do. Stand between the team and whatever is coming.
Underneath them on ordinary days, in front of them on the worst one. Same team, different place.
A title gives you authority. Your choices make you a leader.