To be an effective leader in today's community college requires a sophisticated set of skills that are often learned through on the job training, mentoring, and professional development activities. Using case study methodology, this study examined how community college leaders in California use their skills to implement a state mandate related to faculty hiring. The findings describe the relationship between the skills used by study participants and those identified as essential by the American Association of Community Colleges; the study offers recommendations to support the alignment of these leadership competencies with doctoral program curricula. (Contains 1 footnote.)