leading

Leading is the act of guiding others toward a goal, as well as the quality and role of a person who performs that role. The term has multiple domains, including management, typography, visual arts, film, and economics.

In organizational context, leadership involves influencing, guiding, and coordinating people and resources. It encompasses setting direction, communicating, building teams, and making decisions. Several leadership styles exist (autocratic, democratic, transformational), with effectiveness depending on context.

In typography, leading refers to vertical space between baselines of successive lines of text. It is measured in points and affects readability and aesthetics. Historically it originated from strips of lead; proper leading balances line density and line length to reduce eye strain.

In photography and design, leading lines are compositional elements that direct the viewer's eye toward a subject or through an image, creating depth and movement.

In performing arts, a leading or lead actor is the principal performer in a production, supported by a cast in secondary roles. The term can also denote the primary role in a screenplay or show.

Leading indicators are statistics that tend to change before the economy does, such as building permits, stock prices, and consumer expectations. They are used to forecast turning points but are not foolproof. The term is also used more generally to denote something that is foremost or primary, such as a leading theory or leading candidate.