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Examples

135 leadership stories

How the laws and qualities play out in real life – from Leonidas to Netflix, from Marcus Aurelius to Jürgen Klopp.

135 of 135 examples

2025 62 examples

Arts

Tom Brady and the Quality of Teachability

The most successful quarterback in NFL history never stopped analyzing every game and getting better, despite all his titles and records.

Teachability
EducationArts

Leonardo da Vinci and the Quality of Teachability

Painter, inventor, anatomist, engineer: da Vinci shows that greatness grows from tireless curiosity and lifelong learning.

Teachability
Education

Plato and the Quality of Teachability

Student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle: Plato recognized that wisdom lies in constant learning and critical reflection.

Teachability
GovernmentFaith

Joan of Arc and the Quality of Servanthood

Despite her youth, she selflessly placed herself in the service of her people and gave her life for a higher cause.

Servanthood
Government

Alfred the Great and the Quality of Servanthood

The King of Wessex put the needs of his people above power for its own sake.

Servanthood
Arts

Cristiano Ronaldo and the Quality of Self-Discipline

Talent alone doesn’t explain this career: hard work, iron discipline and constant self-improvement do.

Self-Discipline
GovernmentEducation

Marcus Aurelius and the Quality of Self-Discipline

The Stoic emperor led through control of his emotions, a sense of duty and discipline.

Self-Discipline
Business

Warren Buffett and the Quality of Security

Self-confidence, clarity and consistency: Buffett creates stability and long-term success.

Security
Arts

Frodo and Sam and the Quality of Security

On their perilous journey, Frodo and Sam show inner security, stability and determination.

Security
Government

Margaret Thatcher and the Quality of Security

Unshakable convictions and steadiness amid economic and political turbulence.

Security
Government

William Wallace and the Quality of Responsibility

The Scottish freedom fighter took responsibility for his people despite great personal risk.

Responsibility
Arts

Novak Djokovic and the Quality of Responsibility

As a superstar, he carries responsibility for his own career, for young players and for the sport.

Responsibility
Government

Cicero and the Quality of Relationships

Amid intrigue, Cicero held his position through diplomacy, rhetoric and alliances.

Relationships
Government

Emperor Augustus and the Quality of Relationships

Augustus built alliances and cultivated relationships to stabilize the Roman Empire.

Relationships
BusinessEducation

Thomas Edison and the Quality of Problem Solving

Creative, persistent and strategic: Edison tackled challenges until the solution was in place.

Problem Solving
GovernmentArts

Movie – Argo

A high-risk rescue mission: a CIA agent smuggles six diplomats out of Iran disguised as a film crew.

Problem Solving
Education

Archimedes and the Quality of Problem Solving

The ancient mathematician and inventor found creative, strategic solutions to difficult tasks.

Problem Solving
Government

Barack Obama and the Quality of Positive Attitude

“Yes We Can”: confidence as a mindset that overcomes obstacles and inspires others.

Positive Attitude
ArtsGovernmentBusiness

Movie – Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump meets every challenge with optimism and makes the best of every situation.

Positive Attitude
Media

Movie – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Walter Mitty learns to recognize opportunities and unlock his potential.

Positive Attitude
Arts

Diego Simeone and the Quality of Passion

The Atlético Madrid coach uses passion to build a culture of commitment.

Passion
Arts

Michael Schumacher and the Quality of Passion

A deep inner drive pushed him to consistently deliver top performances.

Passion
Arts

Jürgen Klopp and the Quality of Passion

Dedication and energy that help players and fans rise above themselves.

Passion
Government

Marcus Aurelius and the Quality of Listening

The philosopher emperor built trust by listening and made wise decisions.

Listening
EducationMedia

The Four-Sides Model

Friedemann Schulz von Thun explains the layers of communication – and with them, what good listening is all about.

Listening
Education

Socrates and the Quality of Listening

The Socratic method: ask questions, listen, understand together.

Listening
ArtsBusiness

Tony Hawk and the Quality of Initiative

The skateboarding pioneer and entrepreneur set things in motion instead of waiting for opportunities.

Initiative
MediaBusiness

Johannes Gutenberg and the Quality of Initiative

The inventor of printing with movable type acted where others hesitated.

Initiative
GovernmentEducation

Movie – Hidden Figures

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson take the initiative – against all resistance.

Initiative
Arts

Naomi Osaka and the Quality of Generosity

One of the most successful tennis players of her generation shares her time, her voice and her resources.

Generosity
EducationFamily

Movie – Pay It Forward

A boy starts a movement of generosity whose impact reaches far beyond himself.

Generosity
Government

Mahatma Gandhi and the Quality of Focus

A clear focus on nonviolence and India’s independence.

Focus
Government

Gaius Marius and the Quality of Focus

The Roman general concentrated on what mattered most and reformed the army.

Focus
Business

Movie – The Founder

Ray Kroc and the building of the McDonald’s empire as a lesson in focus.

Focus
Government

The Code of Hammurabi

The King of Babylon codified laws – an early example of discernment.

Discernment
Business

Movie – The Big Short

Who judged correctly before the 2008 financial crisis – and why so few did.

Discernment
Education

Movie – A Beautiful Mind

John Nash and the question of which perception you can trust.

Discernment
Government

Spartacus and the Quality of Courage

The leader of the great slave revolt in ancient Rome.

Courage
GovernmentBusiness

Movie – Erin Brockovich

A single mother successfully takes on an energy corporation.

Courage
Government

Movie – Braveheart

The story of William Wallace as a powerful portrait of courage.

Courage
Government

Sun Tzu and the Quality of Competence

The author of “The Art of War” as the epitome of strategic competence.

Competence
Arts

Serena Williams and the Quality of Competence

Technical excellence, mental strength and an unmatched work ethic.

Competence
Arts

Phil Jackson and the Quality of Communication

One of the most successful NBA coaches led superstars through clear, simple messages.

Communication
Government

Cicero and the Quality of Communication

The greatest orator of antiquity and the power of clear words.

Communication
Government

Leonidas I

The King of Sparta and his stand at Thermopylae, 480 BC.

CommitmentCourage
Government

Rosa Parks

Her tireless dedication to the fight against racial segregation.

CommitmentCourage
ArtsEducation

Movie – Remember the Titans

Coach Herman Boone forges individuals into a team – with dedication and determination.

Commitment
Government

Cleopatra and the Quality of Charisma

Egypt’s last pharaoh won people over to herself and her cause.

Charisma
Government

John F. Kennedy and the Quality of Charisma

“Ask not what your country can do for you” – charisma in a single sentence.

Charisma
ArtsBusiness

Movie – The Greatest Showman

P.T. Barnum shows how vision and charisma go hand in hand.

VisionCharisma
BusinessGovernment

Movie – Schindler’s List

Oskar Schindler’s path from opportunist to rescuer of more than 1,200 people.

ResponsibilityCharacter
Government

George Washington and the Quality of Character

His decision not to seek a third term strengthened the young democracy.

Character
Education

Socrates and the Quality of Character

Better to accept death than betray one’s own principles.

Character
Arts

Roger Federer and the Quality of Character

A career that shows character is the foundation of greatness.

Character
Government

Gerhard Schröder’s Legacy

Agenda 2010 and the fruits that later governments were able to harvest.

Legacy
ArtsBusiness

FC Bayern and the Law of Legacy

The handover from Hoeneß and Rummenigge to the next generation.

Legacy
Family

Movie – The Ultimate Gift

A young man must accept a legacy and learn to understand it.

Legacy
ArtsBusiness

RB Leipzig and the Law of Explosive Growth

From the lower leagues to the European stage in just a few years.

Explosive Growth
GovernmentEducation

Bavaria’s AI Strategy

100 AI professorships: growth by developing minds that develop further minds.

Explosive Growth
ArtsBusiness

The Vuvuzela and the Law of Timing

Why the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was exactly the right moment for the vuvuzela.

Timing
Business

Aristotle Onassis and the Law of Timing

The purchase of his first ships – at exactly the right time.

Timing
Government

German Reunification and the Law of Timing

In 1990 a window of opportunity opened – and was seized.

Timing

2024 59 examples

GovernmentFamily

Ursula von der Leyen and the Law of Sacrifice

Leadership at the highest level and what it costs personally.

Sacrifice
Business

Jack Welch and the Law of Priorities

Only number 1 or 2 in the market: GE concentrated on what mattered most.

Priorities
Government

Eisenhower and the Law of Priorities

Important or urgent? The matrix that bears his name.

Priorities
Government

Abraham Lincoln and the Law of Priorities

Six of eight hours spent sharpening the axe.

Priorities
Arts

Movie – Miracle

The US ice hockey team beats the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union.

Victory
Business

Apple and the Law of Victory

On the brink of bankruptcy – and the road back to the top.

Victory
Government

Donald Trump and the Law of Victory

The 2016 election analyzed in light of the Law of Victory.

Victory
EducationBusiness

Psychological Safety and the Law of Buy-In

Dan Radecki’s book “Psychological Safety” and why trust makes performance possible.

Buy-In
Business

Brad Feld and the Law of Addition

The co-founder of Techstars adds value before he expects anything in return.

Addition
Business

Jim Sinegal and the Law of Addition

The Costco co-founder served customers and employees – and succeeded because of it.

Addition
Education

John C. Maxwell and the Law of Addition

The author of the 21 laws as a living example of his own law.

Addition
Business

Coca-Cola and the Law of Empowerment

Global expansion through local responsibility.

Empowerment
Business

Jack Welch and the Law of Empowerment

His book “Winning” as a plea for empowered leaders.

Empowerment
BusinessMedia

Netflix and the Law of Empowerment

Freedom and responsibility as a culture.

Empowerment
Arts

Legacy and the Law of the Inner Circle

James Kerr on the culture of the New Zealand All Blacks.

Inner Circle
Business

Larry Ellison, Oracle and the Law of the Inner Circle

When the team went from being part of the solution to being part of the problem.

Inner Circle
Government

Abraham Lincoln and His Team of Rivals

Lincoln brought political opponents into his cabinet.

Inner CircleRelationships
GovernmentMedia

Movie – The King’s Speech

Despite his speech impediment, King George VI becomes an inspiring voice.

ConnectionCommunication
GovernmentFaith

Martin Luther King and the Law of Connection

“I Have a Dream” – a speech that reaches hearts.

Connection
BusinessMedia

QVC and the Law of Connection

“Believe It! The Story of QVC” on connection as a business model.

Connection
ArtsBusiness

Walt Disney and the Law of Magnetism

Disney attracted people who shared his imagination.

Magnetism
Arts

Bill Walsh and the Law of Magnetism

The San Francisco 49ers NFL coach and his school of leadership.

Magnetism
Business

Lee Iacocca and the Law of Magnetism

How Iacocca led Chrysler out of crisis in the 1980s.

Magnetism
Business

Movie – Flight

In the midst of disaster, a pilot trusts his intuition.

Intuition
Business

Anita Roddick and the Law of Intuition

“Look what the industry does and go the other direction.”

Intuition
Government

Winston Churchill and the Law of Intuition

Churchill sensed early on the threat posed by Hitler’s regime.

Intuition
Government

Movie – The 15:17 to Paris

Three friends foil an attack – acting on gut instinct.

Intuition
Government

Movie – The Last Castle

An imprisoned general wins the respect of the inmates.

Respect
BusinessGovernment

Movie – American Gangster

Frank Lucas and the dark side of respect.

Respect
Arts

Bruce Lee and the Law of Respect

The life and philosophy of a fighter people followed.

Respect
Government

Nelson Mandela and the Law of Respect

People respect natural leaders – and follow them.

Respect
GovernmentBusiness

Olaf Scholz and the Law of Solid Ground

Wirecard, Cum-Ex and how trust is built – and lost.

Solid Ground
Business

Elon Musk and the Law of the Picture

Sleeping on the production line during the Model 3 crisis.

Picture
Government

Napoleon and the Law of the Picture

His field tent right among his soldiers.

Picture
Government

Mahatma Gandhi and the Law of the Picture

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Picture
Arts

The Fosbury Flop and the Law of the Picture

A new technique that everyone copied after 1968.

Picture
Arts

Movie – Schweinsteiger

“Memories – Von Anfang bis Legende”: a life as a role model.

Picture
Government

D-Day and the Law of Navigation

The Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, as a masterpiece of planning.

Navigation
Arts

The South Pole and the Law of Navigation

Amundsen versus Scott: planning decides between life and death.

Navigation
ArtsBusiness

RB Leipzig and the Law of Navigation

From amateur club to top European club with a clear plan.

Navigation
FamilyGovernment

Movie – Balloon

Two families flee East Germany in a homemade hot-air balloon.

Navigation
GovernmentBusiness

Movie – Money Heist

The “Professor” and his meticulously planned heists.

Navigation
Arts

Movie – Everest

The 1996 tragedy and what happens when the plan is ignored.

Navigation
Business

Movie – Self Made

Madam C. J. Walker: from washerwoman to America’s first self-made female millionaire.

Process
GovernmentEducation

The Royal Navy and Ignoring the Law of Process

Decades of delay before citrus fruit was used against scurvy.

Process
Government

Lee Kuan Yew and the Law of Process

31 years that transformed Singapore.

Process
Government

Movie – Lincoln

Lincoln’s struggle for the 13th Amendment.

Process
Government

Movie – Bridge of Spies

Lawyer James B. Donovan negotiates a prisoner exchange during the Cold War.

Influence
Government

General Georges Sada and the Law of Influence

“Saddam’s Secrets”: insights into the power structure of a regime.

Influence
Government

Movie – Vice

Dick Cheney and influence beyond the official office.

Influence
Government

Peter Altmaier and the Law of Influence

The informal Monday meeting at the Chancellery.

Influence
FaithEducationGovernment

The Gülen Movement and the Law of Influence

A transnational movement and the mechanics of influence.

Influence
Arts

Jürgen Klopp and the Lid at Liverpool FC

From mediocrity to Champions League winner – with a higher lid.

Lid
Business

Elon Musk and the Lid at Tesla

The transformation of Tesla and the leadership ability behind it.

Lid
ArtsBusiness

Movie – Moneyball

Billy Beane changes baseball with data.

LidNavigationCompetence
Business

Larry Page Recognizes His Lid and Appoints Eric Schmidt

A founder recognizes his limit – and brings in an experienced CEO.

Lid
GovernmentArts

Movie – Invictus

Nelson Mandela and the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

InfluenceCommunication
Government

Margaret Thatcher and the Law of Solid Ground

“Either we stand on principles or we don’t stand at all.”

Solid Ground
GovernmentFamily

Movie – The Butler

A butler who served several US presidents.

Influence

2023 3 examples

2022 5 examples

2021 3 examples

2020 1 example

2019 1 example

2013 1 example

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