You must use whatever approach is required for the situation. If everyone is looking to you for guidance, then they are more easily led and do not need much persuasion. Many people will need more persuasion and guidance along the "right" path (the one you want to follow) by involving them in the decision making process and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. That doesn't mean that they will be guiding the process. If you are a good listener and communicator, you will find that people will naturally begin to follow you. You do not need to be the subject matter expert, just the one who can make everyone cooperate with each other for the benefit of the group. A person who talks too much, and doesn't say much, will not have the credibility to lead effectively.
That is close, but I still think we are talking about slightly different points.
There is a fundamental difference between leading from higher authority and leading from mutual consent. Unfortunately, as with many things that are deeply and fundamentaly different, the words describing them often sound the same.
I am not saying one is better or worse, just different.
There are times when one system is better than the other, and there are time when the other is better.
Manipulating people into following a preconcieved plan is not actually leading consensually, nor is it co-operation.
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