It is difficult to lead from a position that is not that of the leader, and why would one want to do that?
In positions past, I've wanted to lead up when I saw room for improvement and change. I've also wanted to lead up when I felt a leader was ineffective, unmotivated, or uninspired.
Yet, it is much more difficult to lead from a position beneath the leader than to lead as the designated leader. In many ways that's like walking up a mountain backwards--it's awkward, somewhat dangerous, and often unsuccessful.
In the best of cases, one would work with a leader to lead up. This kind of collaboration helps to make the needed change while helping out the leader and the organization.
When that's not possible, you have a few choices.
First, you can simply do your part and negate the potential for change.
Second, you can share your ideas and hope that the leader will notice those ideas and work with you.
Third, you can go above your leader and try to effect change that way (that usually backfires).
Fourth, you can leave the situation altogether looking for a place that welcomes who you are and your desire for development and growth.
Recently, I met with this challenge. I had ideas for what I thought would be positive change and growth for a situation I'm working in, yet the leadership was not too keen about the ideas. I chose to continue to do my part and for now, simply express the ideas and let the leader do what he would like to do with those ideas. In time, I'll see how this plays out.
In another similar situation, I am looking for a position where my ideas are embraced and leadership opportunities exist as there's nothing that I like better than to work in a situation that's directed towards positive impact, betterment, and change. Onward.