"In this stimulating and rewarding book, leadership guru John Adair asks who are the great leaders in history and what can they teach about the nature and practice of leadership? Asking to what degree true leadership can be identified and developed, this book explores the characteristics and achievements of leaders as diverse as Lao Tzu, Machiavelli, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela. The thematic structure illustrates different facets of leadership, and examples are interwoven to provide better understanding. The concept of leadership through knowledge is illustrated by Socrates; the servant-leader by Lao Tzu; George Washington is the gentleman leader; charisma is characterized by Lawrence of Arabia; and Margaret Thatcher is the example used for women as leaders. The different styles of leadership of Abraham Lincoln, Charles de Gaulle, Adolf Hitler, and Mahatma Gandhi are also explored, along with the cardinal skills of inspiring, communicating, and decision making. Also included are topic reviews, key concept summaries, and discussion questions."