Before we begin talking about what leadership traits or methods work today to engage and retain people, we need to look at “who” is considered a leader. In a traditional industrial age environment, “leader” was used to reference the CEO or senior organizational officers. Yes! These individuals lead the organization in providing vision and direction to the organization. Today, every individual, regardless of position or anything else, in the team-oriented cultures required today to succeed, need to learn to lead self. Everyone needs leadership skills. People skills! Soft skills! Social intelligence! Why?