When thinking about leadership, I find it helpful to separate leadership from authority level or rank structure. While seniority of rank or status may give the impression of leadership, it certainly does not guarantee it. I can think of no greater tribute to anyone than to say that he or she, by his or her actions, has inspired others to do better. And, for any number of reasons. My personal belief is that one reason good leaders go bad is that they allow complacency to become their standard.
People get comfortable in their positions, in what they know and how they do their jobs.
They stop looking for new challenges to move themselves and their team forward. There is nothing wrong with asking tough questions. In my opinion, that's what good leaders do. But we need to ask those questions of ourselves as well. I am confident you are doing what is necessary to inspire those around you, to grab the leadership challenge, to ask the tough questions, and to push us all to the next level.