1. Abraham Lincoln- I realize this might seem a little cliche since he is ACTUALLY on Mt. Rushmore already! Be that as it may...I don't think it gets any better than Lincoln. I've always been a fan and I've read a lot more recently about him. He was a humble, unassuming man that felt like he was doing the will of God at one of the most harrowing times in our American history. Many would credit him with saving our country as we know it. He's also know for his perseverance. At least eight times he was defeated in elections or failed in business. He suffered loss of son's through disease and death. He faced many adversities in his life. Throughout it all, he kept a humble servant's attitude and led with integrity.
2. Winston Churchill- This is another example of a man who rose to prominence perhaps because of the circumstances he was in. Churchill found himself as Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II. He was perhaps one of the greatest motivators of his time (maybe of ALL time). During a dreadful time when his country was being bombed into submission by the Nazi's, he was able to convince his countrymen to be determined, persevere and take pride in their country until the help could arrive. He was also a very savvy politician that had enough confidence to "rock the boat" when necessary.
3. John Wooden-Yes, a basketball coach. Perhaps the best college basketball coach in history. He won Ten National Championships at UCLA (7 in a row!). His greatest mark to us all may be all the writing and speaking he did after his retirement. He was a part of several books on leadership. His "Woodenisms", such as "be quick but don't hurry" are still repeated and used often in leadership circles. He developed his famous "Pyramid of Success" and defined success as the "peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable." His influence has been felt on generations of leaders.
4. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.- Civil Rights Activist. Change Agent. Great Orator. You can refer to King with many different adjectives. It takes a great person and a great leader to unite a group of people and organize them to have a voice to right a wrong. Status quo is easy. Change is difficult. Some of the most powerful speeches I've ever heard were delivered by Dr. King. He started with a dream...and it became a movement...then it became a reality.
Those are my four choices. I'd be interested in hearing yours!
