Alexander the Great

One of my favorite leaders in history is Alexander the Great. He ruled and commanded, but also interacted with others of his period by displaying greater skill in battle and a greater capacity for discourse in debate than his fellow Macedonians or his enemies.

He had theatrical skills but was also a man of daily routine. He attended to the business of the day (there was justice to dispense, taxes to be levied and distributed, pay, subsistence, and court expenses to be accounted for, appointments to be made and revoked) but was always ready for battle, and even so, the Olympian manner he adopted in battle and in the hunt was rarely used in the management of his immediate circle.

Reconnaissance and staff discussions preceded the advance to combat, highlighting precision, timing and caution. To lead so well, without the aid of modernity, is quite impressive.