It's still a matter of who gives it. You are in a position to lead - the conductor. It would be natural for you to take that role in the eyes of others, and they would respect your authority even more for it.

[It lets Salieri digest that, then continues;] It isn't just the music we will need faith in. Each other, yes. But you are leading us. In a sense, you are bearing more of a burden than anyone else - each of us is contributing, but it is you who is assembling the pieces in to a final piece.

I would advise, however, that you have an understudy.