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All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.

Though there are lessons that can be learned about becoming a great leader, most exist inherently in the bellies of those who lead.

Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery.

The best leaders are readers of people. They have the intuitive ability to understand others by discerning how they feel and recognizing what they sense.

I do believe there are leaders who are like lightning and they come along and they lead. The Lincolns of the world, the Alexander the Greats, they do exist. They have existed.

I don't believe that being an inspiring leader is a goal that you can aspire to. It is a by-product.

Inspirational leaders need to have a winning mentality in order to inspire respect. It is hard to trust in the leadership of someone who is half-hearted about their purpose, or only sporadic in focus or enthusiasm.

Great leaders understand that historical success tends to produce stable and inwardly focused organizations, and these outfits, in turn, reinforce a feeling of contentment with the status quo.

At the heart of great leadership is a curious mind, heart, and spirit.

Great leaders communicate a vision that captures the imagination and fires the hearts and minds of those around them.