I have found in large groups people want to be led. Most people will follow a leader based on (in no particular order); results, charisma, competency, 'rank'/position, confidence, moral ascendancy, strength, endurance.

There tend to be two types of leaders in a group, the assumed leader based on an established hierarchy who may or may not have experience, then the person with the experience, compassion and wisdom, that people are drawn to naturally. IMO it is best when these are the same person.

What I have found in my experience is that you really don't have to worry about the 95% of the people in the group that follow you its the 5% that are caustic, uncooperative that you need to work with. When you can identify those people and bring them around to your goal or the group goal, then the problem tends to solve itself. By only focusing on those that are already in your camp, and belittling, ignoring the 5%, it creates a group schism.