A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
Leadership isn't really dependent on field; it's more of an independent
variable. Every field has its leaders. No matter what the field, people
work in groups and groups generally accomplish more with a leader who is
both knowledgeable in the field and has good people skills. Those skills
extend in several dimensions: downward to more junior members of the group,
to inspire and motivate them; outward to collaborating groups; outward to
the public; and upward to the bosses and sources of funding for the
work. In all but the "downward" case we might not think of the
communication as leadership, but I think it is - it's persuading people to
see things your way, to act on your results, to support your further efforts.

One good thing about groups is that not every member has to have all the
same skills - the whole is made up of parts, and with good leadership can
be more than the sum of its parts. A group where everyone wants to lead in
a different direction won't get very far.

Of the fields you mention, I imagine that an orthodontist could work pretty
much alone and need to lead only her assistant(s) and clerical workers -
and lead her patients to follow instructions. The other fields, even for
independent scientific investigators, probably depend on more interactions
between people and groups.

Good luck with your efforts to improve leadership skills. They'll come in
useful whatever you choose to do.
*******************
A: FROM MENTOR SUZETTE MINORINI IN TX
: Some of the greatest leaders are successful because they are #1 -
Confident. If you know and understand yourself well it's the first step
towards being a good leader. Once you are self-confident about your
leadership abilities you may also better understand your own strengths and
weaknesses. #2 - Concentrate on accentuating and growing your strengths
while working on improving your weaknesses as necessary. Once you have
conquered #1 and 2 - Then move on to understanding how you interact and
work with people. #3 - Build relationships and extend your network. I
believe these 3 activities build the foundation for a strong leader.
Skills required to continue to hone your leadership skills are patience,
understanding, good communication skills (listening, speaking, writing),
and maintaining a healthy balance for your work, life and play so that you
are intrinsically happy.

Great leaders never stop working to make themselves and others around them
better leaders and more successful - Good luck!