I love the way that literally every member of a choral community can be a leader. One thing all leaders do is anticipate.
Choral conductors anticipate – they give cues to their ensembles before they come in, not after.
Choral ensemble leaders anticipate – they turn the pages before they finish singing the notes, so that they can see what’s coming next.
Choral accompanist leaders anticipate – they see where the conductor will return to after a break, and are ready to come in.
Leaders at every level – leaders from the front, leaders from the middle, leaders from the rear – anticipate what is coming and make decisions to help it unfold in the best way possible.
If you are waiting for the worst to happen so that you can react and save the day in the midst of a catastrophe, you are not a leader. You are an opportunist.