You learn from history and what other people did well and didn't do well. Leadership is a combination of your own innate abilities combined with self-awareness and feedback. From this, you can apply historical knowledge (understand you may not have Washington's height and strength, but may be a better tactical decision maker). Read biographies on others: Washington: A Life Hamilton Grant Fighter Pilot (Robin Olds) Boyd Anyone you admire - read about them - find out what was good and what was bad. Mattis's new book is good: Call Sign Chaos.
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