Lessons In Leadership: What the Greatest Leaders Teach About Inspiring Excellence

Leadership isn’t defined by rank, fame, or the spotlight. It’s about inspiring others to rise by setting the example, living with purpose, and making decisions that prioritize growth over comfort. The world’s greatest leaders—from athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to historical giants like Alexander the Great and Winston Churchill - lived this truth. Their principles, forged in the heat of competition, battle, and transformation, transcend time. They remind us that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Whether in business, sport, or life, leading well is about becoming a better person first and using that foundation to inspire others.

Kobe Bryant's Leadership & The Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant embodied relentless leadership through his “Mamba Mentality.” He once said, “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” Kobe led by example, not just on the court but in how he approached every aspect of life. His meticulous preparation, unyielding discipline, and willingness to do whatever it took set a standard for those around him. In business, this principle applies just as much. Leaders don’t inspire their teams by giving orders—they do it by setting the tone. If you want your team to work hard, show them what that looks like. If you want innovation, demonstrate curiosity. Leadership, like Kobe showed us, is about embodying the values you expect from others.

"I've Never Asked Anyone to do Something I Wasn't Willing to do Myself"

Michael Jordan’s leadership was direct and often uncomfortable. His infamous intensity wasn’t about winning friends; it was about creating greatness. “I never asked anyone to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself,” Jordan said. This lesson extends far beyond basketball. In life and business, true leaders challenge those around them to step up. Sometimes, this means having the hard conversations, calling someone out when they’re not giving their best, or refusing to accept mediocrity. It’s not about being harsh for its own sake; it’s about believing in others’ potential more than they believe in it themselves.

Winston Churchill and His View On Courage

Winston Churchill offers a different perspective on leadership. Faced with the monumental task of rallying a nation during World War II, Churchill’s ability to lead was rooted in his conviction and refusal to waver under pressure. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” he said. His leadership reminds us that inspiring others isn’t about always being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes, it’s about listening, understanding, and giving people the confidence to persevere. In life, this might mean being the steady presence for a friend or family member in crisis. In business, it’s being the leader who makes decisions that benefit the collective, even when it’s harder than taking the easy way out.

"When You Think You're Done, You're Only at 40%..."

David Goggins epitomizes what it means to lead from the front by showing others what’s possible. Known for his extreme physical and mental resilience, Goggins leads by willingly embracing discomfort and pushing beyond his limits. “When you think you’re done, you’re only at 40% of what your body is capable of doing,” he says. This philosophy applies to anyone striving for excellence. Whether you’re leading a team at work or mentoring someone in their personal growth, the most powerful way to inspire is to model resilience. When others see you endure, adapt, and thrive despite obstacles, they’re motivated to do the same.

"...What matters is that we’re all in this together, and we’re playing for the same goal,”

In business, Tom Brady’s leadership style is one to emulate. Brady’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about his relentless preparation and consistency. He understands that the way you approach the smallest details sets the foundation for big wins. “Every quarterback can throw a ball; every running back can run; every receiver is fast. That’s not what matters. What matters is that we’re all in this together, and we’re playing for the same goal,” he said. In leadership, whether in a corporate setting or life, fostering collaboration and shared purpose is crucial. Leaders bring people together, aligning them toward a common goal and inspiring trust through their dependability.

Do Not Command From A Distance, Be Willing to be in the Trenches.

Alexander the Great provides one of history’s most enduring examples of leadership. He fought alongside his men, sharing their hardships and triumphs equally. His willingness to lead from the front earned him not just loyalty but deep respect. Alexander’s leadership reminds us that inspiring others isn’t about commanding from a distance—it’s about being in the trenches. In life, this means showing up for the people you care about, even when it’s inconvenient. In business, it’s about understanding the struggles of those you lead and proving through action that you’re not above the work required for success.

“Don’t Waste Talent,”

Ray Lewis’ emotional intensity as a leader on the football field made him a beacon of inspiration. His speeches, filled with authenticity and conviction, rallied his teammates to give everything they had. “Don’t waste talent,” Lewis often reminded them. This lesson applies universally. Whether you’re leading a sports team, a family, or a project at work, tapping into people’s potential and showing them what they’re capable of is one of the greatest gifts a leader can give.

The Greatest Battles You Will Ever Fight are With Yourself.”

Tim Grover, the coach behind legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, teaches a crucial lesson in his book Relentless: “The greatest battles you will ever fight are with yourself.” Leadership begins internally. Before you can lead others effectively, you must master your own discipline, mindset, and commitment. In business, this means being the first to acknowledge mistakes, the first to adapt, and the first to sacrifice for the greater good. In life, it’s about leading yourself toward becoming the best version of who you are meant to be, inspiring others to do the same by your example.

“The Secret of Change is to Focus all your Energy Not on Fighting the Old, but on Building the New.”

Even Socrates and Plato, though philosophers rather than warriors or athletes, understood the essence of leadership. Socrates’ teaching, “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new,” highlights the forward-thinking mindset great leaders possess. Leadership isn’t about clinging to what’s comfortable or known, it’s about creating a vision for the future and inspiring others to pursue it with you.

Challenge Others to Rise to Their Potential, and Never Ask Them to do Something You Aren’t Willing to do Yourself.

As a coach, I’ve seen these lessons come to life. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, consistent, and intentional. There have been moments when a client’s doubt was palpable, when they were ready to give up on a goal that felt out of reach. In those moments, leadership required me to believe in them more than they believed in themselves, to hold a higher standard for their potential and guide them toward it. It’s not about dragging someone to success; it’s about walking beside them and showing them the path.

For anyone striving to lead, whether it’s in business, family, or their own life, these lessons are timeless. Be the example. Set the standard. Challenge others to rise to their potential, and never ask them to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself. Leadership is a responsibility, not a reward. It’s about giving people the confidence to move forward, to endure, and to grow.

The greatest leaders, from Kobe Bryant to Winston Churchill, have shown us that leadership isn’t just a role, it’s a way of being. It’s about how you show up every day, how you respond to challenges, and how you inspire those around you to be better. In the end, leadership is less about what you achieve and more about what you empower others to achieve. That is the legacy of true leaders.

• Written By Ben Mayfield-Smith