@Pagerunner I think the idea is that Bondsmiths are able to unite the other, arguing orders. Windrunners might have leading as an attribute, but we also know they didn't always get along with the other orders.
I personally believe that the KR usually didn't have one leader. During Desolations, the Heralds would have lead. I imagine the rest of the time a counsel of the leaders of the ten orders met to make decisions around a round table in the top room of Urithiru. I am well aware of the Arthurian imagery in that idea.