As many of my consulting clients seek to move in new directions, I am increasingly involved in helping arts organizations select their leaders. This has forced me to consider what characteristics are essential for a strong arts leader. I am consistently drawn back to the realization that the best arts managers are, at heart, entrepreneurs. They have a strong sense of direction and clear plans, but they are able to adapt the implementation of their plans to the opportunities that present themselves. They are ever-watchful of possibilities to create exciting programming, events and announcements and to engage their institutional families in that excitement. These managers run the most dynamic, visible and fun arts organizations with which to engage. Not surprisingly, these organizations also have the happiest and most engaged donors and board members.
