Spoilers! All of the major guilds follow this formula:
Found by some member-----random quests that lead to plot-----plot that leads to betrayal----betrayal kills the original leader------your are named the leader
Examples:
DByou are found by Astrid------you do some random assassinations-----find out you are the listener and are instructed to kill the emperor where you are betrayed by Astrid-----Astrid is killed-----the listener becomes the leader
Companions
Aela finds you while fighting a giant-----you do some random quests looking shards----become part of the circle(note: in the Companions you aren't actually betrayed)----Koldack is killed-----you save him from his curse and become the leader
Note: I am not sure if this applies to the Bards College
.Do you want to see this changed in the next TES?