The best leaders are more along Jimbo's approach. The group needs some common goals. And there is a time a leader needs to step up, like cautioning about dangerous conditions. But mostly the best leaders are good hosts, not type A's. You can decide after the trip if leading the group was satisfying and you'd invite them again.

A big part of the planning is getting the group's abilities and desires sized up. You may need to do some pre-trip coaching to novices about what is possible.