What the Best Leaders Do Differently: Lessons from Industry Icons

Published: February 7, 2025

Some leaders leave a lasting impact, shaping industries and redefining success. Their influence isn’t accidental. It comes from choices, habits, and a mindset that sets them apart. Leadership isn’t about a title or authority—it’s about action. The best leaders approach challenges differently, inspire teams effortlessly, and turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Great leadership isn’t a mystery. It’s a collection of specific behaviors and decisions. The sections below break down what industry icons do differently and how those lessons apply to any professional setting.

They Focus on Vision, Not Just Goals

A goal is a target. A vision is the reason behind it. The best leaders think beyond quarterly objectives or annual benchmarks. They see a bigger picture and build toward it, even when immediate results are unclear.

Elon Musk didn’t start Tesla to make electric cars; he wanted to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Jeff Bezos didn’t just build an online bookstore; he envisioned a future where shopping happened with a single click, powered by fast delivery. Their ability to hold onto a long-term vision shaped their industries.

Without a clear vision, decisions become short-sighted. A leader focused only on hitting short-term metrics may hesitate to invest in innovation. A broader vision allows leaders to make strategic choices that might not pay off immediately but position the organization for long-term growth.

Creating a compelling vision starts with a simple question: What problem needs solving in the biggest way possible? The answer should guide everything that follows.

They Make Decisions with Confidence and Adaptability

Leadership requires choices that affect people, revenue, and the future of an organization. Some hesitate, fearing a wrong move. Others make decisions too quickly without weighing the impact. The best leaders navigate both extremes—acting decisively while staying flexible enough to adjust when circumstances shift.

During Apple’s early days, Steve Jobs pushed for a closed ecosystem, believing in full control over hardware and software. When Tim Cook took over, he recognized the need for more partnerships and strategic collaborations. That shift helped Apple expand services and integrate with other platforms, driving significant revenue growth.

Decisive action doesn’t mean being reckless. The best approach combines speed with awareness. Gathering enough information, setting a direction, and making adjustments along the way prevent stagnation. A leader who waits for certainty risks missing opportunities, while one who refuses to adapt will struggle when conditions change.

They Prioritize People and Culture

Success isn’t built in isolation. The strongest companies thrive when people feel valued, engaged, and connected to a shared purpose. Leaders who invest in workplace culture create environments where employees contribute more than just their labor—they bring ideas, passion, and loyalty.

Satya Nadella took over Microsoft when the company struggled with internal silos and a rigid corporate culture. He shifted the focus toward collaboration, learning, and innovation. Under his leadership, Microsoft transitioned from a declining tech giant into one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Building a strong culture isn’t about perks like free lunches or ping-pong tables. It comes from creating trust, supporting employees’ growth, and fostering open communication. A leader who prioritizes people over profits often finds that profits follow naturally.

They Communicate Clearly and Consistently

Words shape perception. A leader who speaks in vague, complicated terms creates confusion. One who communicates directly and with purpose builds alignment and trust. The most effective leaders understand that communication is more than delivering information—it’s about making an impact.

Consider Warren Buffett. His annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders aren’t filled with jargon or corporate buzzwords. Instead, they read like personal conversations, explaining complex financial concepts in a way anyone can understand. That level of clarity fosters confidence.

Communication goes beyond words. Body language, tone, and consistency all play a role. A leader who says one thing but acts differently loses credibility. Those who listen as much as they speak build stronger connections. Clarity, honesty, and an ability to simplify complex ideas set great leaders apart.

They Lead by Example Instead of Just Giving Orders

A title doesn’t make someone a leader. Actions do. The most respected leaders don’t demand excellence—they demonstrate it. Instead of directing from the sidelines, they set the pace through their own work ethic, values, and commitment.

Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, grew up in a working-class family and understood the struggles of hourly workers. Under his leadership, Starbucks became one of the first companies to offer health benefits to part-time employees. His decision wasn’t about public relations—it reflected his values. Employees saw that and responded with loyalty and dedication.

Leading by example isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about setting a standard. Showing up prepared, treating people with respect, and demonstrating accountability inspire teams far more than any motivational speech ever could.

They Embrace Challenges and Turn Failures into Lessons

Setbacks are inevitable. Some see them as roadblocks, while others treat them as stepping stones. The most successful leaders don’t fear failure—they use it as fuel for growth. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, they analyze what went wrong, adjust their approach, and move forward with greater insight.

Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job. Steve Jobs was removed from the company he built. Both could have let those moments define them, but instead, they saw them as opportunities to learn. Oprah went on to create a media empire, and Jobs returned to Apple, leading it to unprecedented success.

A setback isn’t the end of the road unless it’s treated that way. Leaders who thrive in the face of failure focus on solutions rather than problems. They ask: What can be done differently next time? What adjustments will lead to better results? This mindset creates resilience, turning obstacles into advantages.

They Stay Focused on Growth and Innovation

Industries change. Consumer behavior shifts. Technology evolves. A leader who clings to old methods risks falling behind. The best leaders anticipate change, embrace new ideas, and stay ahead of the curve.

Apple’s approach to innovation didn’t stop with the iPhone. Amazon moved beyond books to cloud computing, logistics, and artificial intelligence. These companies didn’t settle for past success; they kept pushing forward.

Innovation doesn’t always mean launching groundbreaking products. It can mean improving processes, exploring new markets, or rethinking how a business operates. A leader committed to continuous improvement fosters a culture where fresh ideas are encouraged and tested, keeping the organization competitive.

They Master the Art of Emotional Intelligence

Technical skills and business strategies matter, but emotional intelligence plays an even bigger role in leadership success. The ability to read situations, understand different perspectives, and manage emotions effectively separates average leaders from great ones.

Richard Branson is known for his people-first leadership style. He listens more than he speaks, treats employees as partners, and stays approachable no matter how large his empire grows. His emotional intelligence has helped Virgin Group build strong relationships internally and externally.

A leader lacking emotional awareness struggles to connect with people, resolve conflicts, or inspire teams. Self-awareness, empathy, and emotional control create stronger relationships, making it easier to build loyalty and trust.

Simple ways to develop emotional intelligence include:

Final Thoughts

Great leadership isn’t about a title, a corner office, or a powerful network. It’s about actions, mindset, and the willingness to grow. Industry icons don’t succeed by accident—they follow principles that set them apart.

Vision, adaptability, communication, and resilience all play a role. Investing in people, embracing challenges, and staying ahead of change define those who leave a lasting impact. Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about continuous learning and the courage to do things differently.

Anyone can apply these lessons. Leadership isn’t reserved for CEOs or business owners. It’s about how challenges are approached, how people are treated, and how decisions shape the future. The best leaders don’t wait for change—they create it.