Is Leader Development a Lost Art or just Misunderstood?

Lead by example. If nobody is leading, or at least setting the example, there isn't anyone to pattern your leadership style after. A good leader mentors the troops and ideally is grooming a few of them to replace them.
That is what is supposed to happen. Leaders that hide in the shadow of their rating official and are afraid to step out rarely will rarely be the example of what a true leader should be. This is just Dave's opinion of course.

I think leader development is misunderstood and therefore somewhat lost. This happens to be my area of study (organizational leadership) and a source of frustration. As most realize there is not one way to lead in all situations - one size does not fit all. It depends on three things - the leader, the followers, and the situation/environment. Changing one of those three may cause the leadership approach to change. Then there is the variety of leadership approaches which may be defined by many things - personal characteristics, attributes, styles, personality factors, and on and on. In fact, the all-encompassing text on the subject - the "Bass Handbook of Leadership" - is 1516 pages and weighs 5.2 pounds.

My point isr current leaders (those who have followers) need to figure out what leadership means and to take the responsibility (and it is a responsibility) to mentor subordinates and others. Keep in mind that you may not have the best leadership approach so be sure to take a broad approach in your coaching. Just my humble opinion.

I created a culture and expressed my expectations. We became a self regulating organization, and there was buy in. I was not a tyrant so I sought opinions, and found out that we don't stress having fun enough.