This paper discusses leadership theories, leadership research issues that educational leaders must confront in the next decade, and leadership skills required for the future. The discussion of leadership theories begins with a review of McGregor's Theories X, Y, and Z and moves on to the qualities embodied in such heroic, charismatic, and crusading leaders as Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and others. A third approach to leadership emphasizes professional or businesslike qualities such as articulation of goals, ability to organize, understanding of finance, and ability to communicate. Educational leadership requires an eclectic approach, combining charisma, moral clarity, and business-minded professionalism. Research in educational leadership demonstrates that effective leadership varies according to personality and circumstance, but that school leaders tend to be moral leaders as well. The emerging leadership issues of the future are grouped into four categories: economic, public confidence, governance, and social stability. Each is accompanied by a set of leading questions. The administrative skills needed to address these issues include the ability to articulate the historic mission of schools, to accommodate the demands of a pluralistic society, to promote equal opportunity, and to change leadership style as needed. (TE)