Who comes to your mind, when you think about leaders of our history?
Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela? Or more recent figures like Angela Merkel and Barack Obama? These leaders, among others, represent different eras and led with styles of leadership that mirror the needs of society in their times.
As we look at their traits, we’ll see how the idea of leadership has changed over the centuries—from authoritative rulers to those who started to lead with a deeper purpose, empathy, and collaboration.
leadership in ancient times: the era of power
In ancient civilizations, leadership was closely tied to authority and power. Leaders like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar were celebrated for their ability to conquer and expand their empires. They had outstanding military skills, and strategic thinking was one of their biggest assets.
Cleopatra VII of Egypt, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom known for her intelligence, political acumen, and strategic alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, navigated Roman politics to maintain her kingdom's autonomy for as long as possible. Her leadership was marked by her ability to wield both political and personal influence, making her one of the most famous female rulers in history. Boudica, the warrior queen of the Iceni tribe in Britain, led a powerful uprising against the Roman Empire. Her leadership united her people in a determined stand against Rome.
In those days, leaders were expected to be brave and decisive, inspiring fear in their enemies and protecting their people. Courage and strength were the most valued qualities in leaders.
the mediaeval period: leadership as service
As societies became more structured, particularly during the mediaeval period, leadership began to embody not just power but also a sense of duty and service.
Prominent women emerged during this time, despite the era's male-dominated structures. Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 12th century. As the Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France, and later Queen of England, she played a key role in the politics of the time, supporting her sons' claims to the English throne and governing large territories in France. Eleanor was known for her political savvy, her patronage of the arts, and her ability to navigate the complex dynamics of mediaeval European politics.
In this period, the traits of chivalry and honour became central to the concept of leadership. Leaders were judged by their ability to win battles, but also by their capacity to govern wisely and fairly. The idea of leadership as a service to others began to take root, setting the stage for more inclusive and empathetic leadership styles in the future.
the industrial revolution: management on the rise
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries brought about significant changes in how leadership was perceived. Leaders in this era, such as industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford, were celebrated for their ability to organise, control, and optimise resources, including human labour. Leadership during this time was closely tied to management skills and the ability to enforce rules to maximise productivity.
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, oversaw a period of great industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change in the British Empire. Although not an industrial leader herself, her reign marked the height of the British Empire, and her leadership style—balancing public image, moral authority, and political power—had a lasting influence on the role of constitutional monarchs.
The traits valued in leaders during this period were those associated with efficiency and control: rationality, discipline, and a strict adherence to hierarchy. However, this focus on efficiency often came at the expense of worker well-being, leading to growing discontent and setting the stage for the development of more people-centred leadership styles.
the 20th century: the visionaries our world needed
The 20th century saw a significant shift in leadership paradigms, influenced by global events such as the World Wars, the civil rights movement, and the rise of democratic governance. Leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Mahatma Gandhi became icons of a new style of leadership that emphasised vision, inspiration, and moral authority.
Women also played crucial leadership roles during this period. Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, led the country from 1979 to 1990 with a strong, controversial approach that emphasised free-market policies and a firm stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Known as the "Iron Lady," Thatcher's leadership was characterised by her determination, decisiveness, and ideological commitment.
During this period, charisma, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate a compelling vision became essential traits for leaders. The concept of the leader as a motivator and coach began to gain traction, with an emphasis on talent and creativity. Transformational leadership, characterised by the ability to drive innovation and lead with purpose, became increasingly important. Ethical leadership also emerged as a critical component, with leaders expected to act with integrity, accountability, and social responsibility.
the 21st century: it’s all about collaboration
In the 21st century, leadership continues to evolve in response to the complexities of the modern world. Figures like Angela Merkel, who led Germany through numerous crises with a calm and pragmatic approach, and Satya Nadella, who transformed Microsoft through a focus on empathy and innovation, exemplify the current leadership ethos.
Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, stands out for her leadership during times of crisis, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jacinda is known for her empathetic approach, clear communication, and emphasis on collective responsibility, which have made her a model of modern, inclusive leadership.
Today’s leaders are expected to be adaptable, collaborative, and inclusive. The traditional hierarchical models are being replaced by more decentralised and participative approaches. Emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and the ability to create a diverse and inclusive environment are now highly valued traits. The concept of servant leadership has gained prominence, with leaders focusing on serving their teams and helping them grow and succeed.
the ever-evolving landscape of leadership
As we look back at the stories of these leaders, we see how leadership has evolved through time. From the authoritative rulers of history, we’ve arrived at a time where more nuanced, empathetic, and collaborative leadership is required.
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