Ever since our world began, there have been many inspiring leaders. Leaders from whom we, as (sales) managers or salespeople, can learn a great deal.
Rather than always reinventing the wheel, it's incredibly interesting to look at which iconic people serve as models for solving certain problems and challenges.
Today we have listed a few for you. Do you have any inspiring examples of your own? Please let us know.
Wise and Sun Tzu: know yourself and your opponent
Sunzi, in Dutch Sun Tzu, was a Chinese general around 500 BC. He is considered one of the founders of warfare, and his ideas are still read by army officers and managers.
Sun Tzu is known for his countless sayings that are as simple as they are powerful. Perhaps the most beautiful of all his sayings is 'If you know the enemy and yourself, you need not fear the outcome of 100 battles'. A wise lesson.
Know who is standing opposite you in pitches and conversations. Know what drives and what the opponent expects. And, know yourself.
Know what you can and cannot do. If you manage that, half the work is already done and you need never be afraid of the result. If you want to learn more from Sun Tzu, read the book 'The Art of War'.
Mandela: no place for revenge and bitterness
Mandela is a legend, there is no doubt about that. Although he has been criticized in some parts of the world, for example for his relationship with Fidel Castro, delving into Mandela's life guarantees inspiration.
For example, what about the brilliant statement 'It always seems impossible, until it's done', which particularly appeals to the imagination in the landscape of startups, innovators and disruptors.
The lesson that Mandela, like no other, gave to the world, however, concerns in particular the feelings of revenge that are inherent to humankind.
Being locked up for decades and then willing to cooperate with your tormentors after your release is a level of forgiveness that not many people will emulate.
A wise lesson. In our profession, whether you are a manager or a salesperson, there is no place for feelings of revenge or bitterness.
Always stay on good terms with your clients and contacts, even if they choose another party. The times that a good relationship eventually leads to a great collaboration are countless.
Mao: fear is counterproductive
Mao is perhaps one of the most terrifying leaders the world has ever known. A dictator, and at the same time still beloved by many Chinese. Mao is linked to the deaths of an estimated 40-70 million people.
Society under Mao was characterized by a deep fear. A fear that has had a paralyzing effect. A fear that causes intelligent people to opt for suboptimal solutions.
We can learn from that. Fear also often prevails in today's business world. Fear of the boss, fear of the consequences of an action. This prompts employees to make wrong (defensive) decisions simply to play it safe. And that, in turn, is completely counterproductive.
Gandhi: Patience is a virtue
We conclude our list of greats and famous leaders with Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian politician who dedicated his life to an independent India and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims.
The main mark Gandhi left on history was that of non-violent resistance.
But what perhaps characterizes Gandhi even more is his patience. The iron patience to bring about change without violence.
In our own profession, patience also plays a major role. Especially in sales processes, frustration can set in when the process drags on for months. Never lose your patience and do not allow yourself to be pressured into disrupting the process. Pushing will rarely bring you success.