Firstly, most (adult) people don't want to be led any where or in any thing (nothing but blue skies between me and God). 99.99% of "leaders" are imposed/selected, not earned, which used to be the case years ago.
The only skill you need to make it up the management ladder is #1 kiss ass like it's an olympic sport and you just broke the world record three times in a row, #2 be ready to sacrifice your personal for your professional life, #3 be goal driven, open-minded and willing to learn and #4 get ready to have to put up with people's personalities.
I've led teams in the past and once my wife and I had children I basically got cornered by life: either my family or my job. I chose family. A very select few choose their jobs. There really isn't more than that. People make "leading" a special innate skill you can't teach... bullshit. All bullshit. Kiss the right ass (not everyone's, mind you) and you will be promoted... if that's what you want.
What you call "kissing butt" is also called office politics, networking, making connections, relationship building, sucking up, etc.
Some people are really good at it. In traditional corporate organizations this is what gets people ahead (as long as they can also do the job adequately).
Yes, as you said, some people devote all their energy to their job. This is traditional 1950-1960s corporate America with the husband putting all his focus on his job and the stay-at-home wife raises the kids. It still goes on in many companies and is expected for advancement to higher levels. Total devotion to the job.
Some people are born leaders and people eagerly follow them. Religious leaders are examples. Other people are put in positions of authority as in business or military for various reasons. You have to do what they tell you or you get fired or disciplined.
Some people are not followers.