Leaders who are future focussed can imagine the possibilities and scan the horizon for what is happening now, to inspire what the future might look like. They embrace scenario planning and use it as a tool to create a vision of how things could be. They develop questions tied to strategic priorities and use multiple, sometimes contradictory, hypotheses to test those questions.

Curious leaders are willing to embrace ambiguity and are comfortable with not knowing the answer. They demonstrate an endless willingness to learn and never tire of generating new ideas. They use new technological and social innovations to solve complex problems, and tend to be open-minded to new ways of doing things.

Empathetic leaders step into the shoes of the user or citizen, to gain an understanding of their lived experience, needs and desires. They are experts at seeking out and interacting with users, and derive valuable insights from those interactions. They inspire others, and are skilled at taking people on the journey with them by building a compelling narrative.

Rebel-rousing involves seeking out and encouraging individuals who question the status quo, creating a safe environment for contrarian thinking and challenges to established practice, and setting a clear purpose while allowing for flexibility in how the purpose is achieved. They are skilled at creating a psychologically safe environment where people feel enabled or empowered to constructively challenge.

Innovative leaders embrace diversity of views, opinions and backgrounds. They actively seek out alternative and diverse opinions across multiple environments. They are adept at making connections and set the stage for trust and engagement with teams, collaborators and co-creators.

A persistent leader does not see barriers, only opportunities. They learn fast through rapid prototyping, and fast iterations. They reflect on progress to date to inform the next step. They constantly test their assumptions, reflect and learn from the experience. They drive on towards the right solution, regardless of obstacles or resistance.