In the free roaming pre-reservation days, leadership in most Native American tribes was mostly decided by skill and success. No votes were taken, no polls were submitted.  If a warrior established himself as a leader by success, it was with a combination of generosity and respect as well.  If you wished to lead, you must have those who will follow.  No followers plus no respect equals no power.  Leaders distributed the spoils of their raids and wars to the most needy of the people.  They treated women, children and the elderly with kindness and respect.  That's what a good leader who cares for their people does.

   That is how they continue to be leaders.