Back to the Front: Foundational Leadership Traits and Skills

Abstract

This chapter takes us back to the front and asks the question what does front or backstage leadership require of the individual, in terms of traits, skills, characteristics? What are the most crucial leadership skills and traits needed to help make a complete leader, whether they are operating on the front or backstage? Both types of work involve sharing ourselves and enacting who we are through management. There is a repertoire of skills that inform leadership behaviors on which people widely agree despite the farrago of management environments. This includes: role modeling with integrity, leading with vision, taking care of those around you, being bold and courageous, being self-aware, working to integrate teams, and the “X-Factor” (something uniquely your own that sets you apart from the pack).