I wrote an article about being a positive art lead in my blog late last year http://willkowach.blogspot.com/2011/12/stunted-growth-being-positive-art-lead.html But in terms of the qualities and characteristics of a lead role, some folks are different and I really think it's about their approach to solidifying that role as…
I can relate to your situation. After being a 3d artist for one and a half years, I was promoted to art lead/art director (3rd on the project...). It can be overwhelming at first, and you will make some mistakes as you feel things out, but that's all part of learning how to lead. Kaburan and the others have already given…