I'm not sure if Carol has ever been a leader of the group. If anything she's avoided that role. She refused to get involved when the farm group argued about Randall's execution. She objected to Rick's leadership, but she had no other idea of what they should do. At the prison, she taught kids how to use weapons, but only without parents knowing. When the virus hit, she could have suggested they kill Karen and David. Instead she killed them and stayed quiet until after Tyreese went on a rampage. She could have gone back to the prison to get Lizzie and Mika or to plead her case. Instead she stayed away.
I think Carol's a very determined and strong woman, which is good and fascinating to watch, but is it in a way that leads others or helps others? I felt like The Grove was her realizing that's not entirely the case. She wanted Lizzie and Mika to be strong, and where did that get them?
Her confessing to Tyreese was the first time I can remember her being so direct with her actions and her feelings in a very, very long time. I hope this is a step forward for her.