By modeling admirable leadership examples you can improve your own skills and become a leader that others will look up to and respect.

Great leaders exist in every level and segment of society, from corporate executives to school teachers, charity organizers, parents, and coaches. But, whether you are running a country or overseeing a classroom, the same leadership principles apply and you can achieve success by watching, learning, and following in the footsteps of other great leaders.

From historical figures to present day examples, great leaders have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and the impact they have had on the world or people around them. And, although many of these individuals differ in both their leadership style and approach, they have all experienced success, proving that every personality has a hidden leader that can be shaped and formed to become effective in their sphere of influence.

Not everyone is a natural born leader, but by finding the style that suits you and learning from those with similar approaches, you can develop your skills and become a better leader at whatever level you may work.

By studying leadership examples, you can identify those techniques and approaches that fit your personality and can be applied to your life and personal situations.

1. Ghandi.

Known as one of the most powerful and influential political leaders who ever lived, Ghandi brought great change through peaceful measures and an adherence to non-violent philosophies. In fact, his leadership skills were so effective, that they have been the inspiration and foundation for other civil rights movements world wide, showing that the impact of a great leader continues on to future generations.

Ghandi's leadership was driven by passion and love. Not only was he passionate about his cause, but he lived what he believed. His honesty and humility motivated people and they were drawn to him because he understood that passion and love are important to successful leadership.

By studying Ghandi's life, you can learn that a good leader must love people, must love to lead, and must lead with love.

2. Rockefeller.

Recognized as one of the richest men in history, Rockefeller is remembered not only for his financial achievements but also for the fact that he used his wealth and leadership abilities to change the world and make life better for others. He founded universities, supported many causes, invested in valuable research, and effectively established a framework for other leaders to function and develop. Rockefeller touched many lives and was an influential leader because he showed that he cared. People were willing to join him in his causes because he proved that he really wanted to make a difference and truly cared about making the world a better place

By looking at Rockefeller's life, you can learn that one of the most valuable leadership qualities is to truly care for others and have an authentic desire to make a difference, not only for your own gain, but for the betterment of those whose lives you touch.

3. Jeff Bezos.

As the founder of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos learned the importance of being goal-oriented and its value as a good leadership quality. He had a vision and worked toward it despite criticism and failures. He never gave up and was willing to try new things when the old things weren't working. He accepted his failures, and the failures of those working with him, as lessons learned and moved on to the next strategy. Because of this determination to persevere and reach goals, people were willing to follow him and believe that he would keep working until he eventually achieved success.

From Jeff Bezo's example, you can see how being goal-oriented and focused instills confidence in people, and encourages them to believe in you and what you are working to achieve. Bezo's story also shows that optimistic determination is an invaluable quality in a leader because it stimulates loyalty and adds credibility to your cause, making people willing to follow your leadership.

4. Martin Luther King Jr.

As one of the most famous civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for his beliefs and had the ability to inspire action in others. His "I Have a Dream" speech is still used today by everyone from school teachers, to politicians, charity workers, and motivational speakers. One of his most effective tools was his excellence as a communicator and his ability to express his visions in a way that moved others to join his cause.

If you are wanting to develop your personal leadership skills, the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. can act as a great example. His success as a leader shows the importance of improving communication skills and learning how to express yourself in a way that can turn your passion into a motivation that will inspire others to join you and help achieve the dream.

5. Bill Gates.

As the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is recognized as the world's youngest billionaire and one of today's greatest businessmen. His leadership abilities are based on his authority and expertise, and his knowledge and credibility has helped him prove himself as one of the most influential leaders in the business world. Gates commands respect by the very fact that his expertise has translated into undeniable success.

By looking at Gate's example, you can understand the importance that authority and expert knowledge plays in the development of leadership skills. By operating with intelligence and common sense, you not only inspire and motivate people, but you can back up your vision with practical facts and a workable plan. Basically, people are more likely to trust you if they believe that you know what you are talking about and have the knowledge to achieve success.

Although there are different leadership styles and approaches, every good leader understands that they must possess some quality that establishes credibility, inspires confidence, and motivates action. Great leaders not only bring out the best in others, but also provoke people to do what they can to make a difference in the world around them, no matter how large or small that world may be.