Mike,
I've read a few of your blog posts and I like your work.  Your emphasis on words is very important as so much of leadership is about communication.  Some thoughts:

A leader is out in front, a follower is behind.  Why be behind?  Sometimes I think about the doctors nurses that cared for my wife while she was in the hospital for a month.  We were certainly following their lead and we were happy to do so.

A follower is a support, a leader is alone.  Why follow?  There are many other people with you, a whole community.  I think about great artists who struggle to find their voice in their work.  And I think about all the people who listen to their music and sing their songs, or enjoy their paintings or shows.  Who is happier?

Leadership has no inherent value in my book.  It's about being out in front in a decision-making capacity.  Still, it's a role like any other -- manager, contributor, author, mom, dad.  What matters is how one relates in the role, how one serves the capacity.  That's why I like your notion of character-based leadership.

All best,
Michael