Great leaders do not always need words in order to lead. One fine example of this is illustrated by Marcus Aurelius and Cato, who succeeded to inspire individuals by the way they lived their lives, by their deeds.

The lesson learned from Marcus Aurelius and Cato 

According to Theodore Roosevelt's famous quote, individuals are interested into working with others who show that they care. This idea proves to be true over and over again, in all the aspects of life.

The lesson learned from Theodore Roosevelt

The German theoretical physicist once stated that one's perception of the things changes how things really are. Therefore, choosing to have a good influence on your people, as a manager, will most certainly have better results than having a negative attitude and mind-set.

The lesson learned from Max Planck

The one known as the 'father of modern management', Peter Drucker, came to the conclusion that the more one charges for providing others with his advice, the more the advice is valuable. So, if he could do it, maybe it is indeed worth giving this idea a chance.

The lesson learned from Peter Drucker

Buddha's belief that anybody can changed is a powerful tool in the hands of good coaches. Having trust in people's ability to change can prove to be way more effective than believing that they can't.

The lesson learned from Buddha

Throughout history, some individuals got to play bigger roles than others. Among them, Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that the success of a cause depends directly on the involvement of the people who joined it.

The lesson we all got to learn from Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nelson Mandela taught us what is maybe one of the most valuable management lessons: one does not need to use authority in order to lead effectively. Instead, getting to know your people and finding out what their motivations are can prove way more efficient in the long run.

The lesson learned from Nelson Mandela

The great Winston Churchill gave everybody a lesson worth being remembered for generations to come: if you want people to understand you, you might as well communicate by using simple and clear words. The main point is to get your idea transmitted, after all.

The lesson learned from Winston Churchill

One of the most valuable lessons that humanity can learn is to make the best of what one has. For instance, Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf as a child, succeeded to earn a bachelor's degree, publish books, co-found the ACLU, therefore inspiring an entire world with her amazing story.

The lesson learned from Helen Keller

Known as one of the first internationally recognized writers writing from the New World, Ann Bradstreet enabled the American colonists to express their identity as different as possible from England, even though she was an English woman herself.

The lesson learned from Ann Bradstreet

According to the main character's behaviour, one should used other means of negotiation besides persuasion, which is, undoubtedly, of high importance. For instance, why not try using the very language of the counterparts, if possible. It can lead to unexpectedly good results.

The lesson learned from the movie 'Kim Man-bok'

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. "How can I inspire others to follow my lead?" Aspiring influencers have wrestled with this question since the beginning of time, and those who emerged and ultimately became legendary leaders did so because they were willing to learn from the very best.

The lesson learned from Winston Churchill

11 Modern Leadership Lessons from History's Masters

It's time to

READ

LIKE

A PRO!

The Steve Jobs Equation for Tough Leadership

The 5 Characteristics That Make a Charismatic Leader

Lessons for the New CEO From 5 Great Leaders of History