Skills that bring status in a Post-Apocalyptic society?

[Matt W]

I was reading up on Melanesian society (for completely irrelevant reasons) and I can across this list of skills that were considered necessary for a leader in The Solomon Islands in the 1940's. A "bigman" or "headman" needed a certain personal charisma and other qualities:

"A man must be prepared to demonstrate that he possesses the kind of skills that inspire respect: magical powers, gardening prowess, mastery of oratorical style, perhaps bravery in war and feud"

It looks an odd list, but it does have a certain logic once you realise that "gardening prowess" means both "wealthy" and "good enough at agriculture to feed lots of people". That's really important for a culture that can't always get enough food.

Likewise, "oratorical style" means "persuade the community without resorting to force".

IMHO, this list of skills would be very appropriate for the leader of a low-tech village. Does anyone have anything to add? Or suggest the skills that might work for a larger community?