Just like many other skills, you need to be able to quantify and articulate specifics. If I'm hiring someone, statements like "leader by personality" - particularly combined with comments along the lines of executive offices being "BS" positions - raise some red flags.
In an interview you need to be able to articulate leadership skills, particularly if you're looking for a leadership position. Have you completed any workshops on leadership or management? What books have you read related to the topic? And perhaps most importantly, what are some clear examples of how you've been successful in a leadership position.
Holding an executive office is one thing, but recruiters are pretty good at seeing through people who've simply held offices as chair warmers. They will ask questions like:
- give a clear example of a case where you took the initiative
- give an example of a conflict you mediated and explain the outcome
- what does leadership mean to you?
- how have you dealt with a volatile situation
- give an example of a time you decided to break the rules
- how have you dealt with someone on your team who is not pulling his or her weight?
You get the idea. So the way you answer these questions is simply through assuming leadership roles in different aspects of your life. Some examples:
- playing the role of team captain or team manager on a sports team
- starting a club on campus
- running for student executive offices
- volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers or Big Sisters
- military experience
- summer work experience such as a camp councillor
- teaching