Leadership is an ability that some people are born with, and one that others manage to build up through their work and experience with other people. A true leader rarely gets chosen; the potential to drive people forward, and push the progress of the entire team is something that usually emerges spontaneously. History books remember visionaries, people with the ability to inspire everyone around them. A leader’s legacy remains written, built, or carried on by those who are true believers. In this article, we will remind you of some of the most famous leadership quotes, and the lives of the people who made those words immortal, and try to understand the messages hidden within those quotes.

“A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” – John C. Maxwell

This quote sends a message that every good leader should learn by heart. It’s not enough to show the way or just know where it’s leading. In order to secure the success and well-being of the entire team, a leader travels the road alongside the rest of the crew. The American author and pastor, John C. Maxwell is one of the most prominent figures of today. He dedicated his entire life empowering people to be better leaders and humans. In 2014 the Inc. Magazine named John C. Maxwell No. 1 Leadership expert in the world.

“A leader is a dealer in hope” – Napoleon Bonaparte

This one is short and simple, yet carries a strong message that leaders inspire hope when there is no hope left. A true leader should never surrender or let the people they are leading lose faith, no matter how grave the peril is. Moreover, as a “dealer in hope” one should never fall into despair, even while exiled on a small island, twice.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership” – James C. Humes

Truer words never were spoken. It’s important for a leader to be able to communicate with the people who follow. Clear intentions and directions that are easy to follow distinguish a leader, as well as the skill to inspire people in the time of need. Communication skills allowed James Humes to write speeches for presidents throughout his career. Moreover, it was Humes’ ability to craft inspirational texts that made Richard Nixon choose him to be the author of the inscription on the Apollo 11 Lunar plaque. Of course, at the time there was no cheap essay writing services that one could hire, so Humes was an obvious choice.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion” – Alexander the Great

Alexander was a great leader, one of those people who inspire greatness anywhere they appear. He was a brilliant strategist and fully devoted to his goal to unify the tribes of the world into one large empire lead by people. As a soldier, Alexander knew how important it is for an army to have a brave and visionary leadership, which is the point of the quote. Carefully planned operations with proper guidance and strong leadership can turn any group of individuals into a successful team. Who can disagree with a guy that conquered the entire known world before he was 30?

Conclusion

Leadership is not about telling people what to do for you; it’s about showing people how to achieve more than they ever could on their own. A true leader is always with his followers, showing them the light when all the hope seems to be gone. The people mentioned in this article are famous for their achievements but, more importantly, for their skill to inspire others to dream big dreams with hope of their fulfillment.