A decade ago, the United Kingdom honored Winston Churchill with a memorial service marking 50 years since his funeral. Today, in an era of global uncertainty, Churchill’s leadership remains as relevant as ever.

Born in Oxfordshire in 1874, Churchill was driven by a desire to succeed where his father, Lord Randolph Churchill, had failed. From his early days at Sandhurst to his military service and eventual rise in politics, he became one of history’s most influential wartime leaders.

Churchill’s leadership during World War II cemented his legacy. His ability to inspire through speeches, think strategically, and rally a nation in crisis showcased the traits of a transformational leader. His words and actions not only guided Britain to victory but continue to offer leadership lessons today.

Here are six key traits that defined Churchill’s leadership—and what we can learn from them.

1. Communication

“What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? How else can we put ourselves in harmonious relation with the great verities and consolations of the infinite and the eternal? And I avow my faith that we are marching towards better days. Humanity will not be cast down. We are going on swinging bravely forward along the grand high road and already behind the distant mountains is the promise of the sun.”

During the war, Churchill was well-known as a visible leader. He was often seen visiting factories, bombed houses, and talking to people. This alluring aura consolidated the Britons. Some people with whom Churchill interacted said afterward, “We can do just about anything!” He knew the value of speech, and though not a natural orator, he worked his skills and made his influence felt in every corner of the Allied Forces.

2. Reputation

“It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion’s heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. I also hope that I sometimes suggested to the lion the right place to use his claws.”

Churchill was an outspoken critic, and at one point he was accused of being a warmonger when he foresaw the imminent war coming to the UK. He portrayed himself as a lone voice calling for rearmament against Germany in the early 1930’s.

On the 3rd of September 1939, the British declared war on Germany after it had attacked Poland. Churchill was appointed Prime Minister in May 1940.

3. Passion

“I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial.”

Churchill was a dedicated man. He was a war correspondent, a soldier, a writer, and a statesman. He was passionate about the betterment of his country, regardless of his good and bad criticisms. And, of course, he was more than passionate about winning the war, as he would show later in his career.

He was also considered a great writer, publishing many books, such as The River War (1899), the biography of his father, Lord Randolph Churchill (1906), the story of his ancestry, Duke of Marlborough, and his Memoirs of the Second World War, which covered six volumes. On the other hand, it is worth noting that Churchill took up painting as his pastime during the Second World War.

4. Vision

“You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”

Great leaders have visions, and they are not shy about showing them to their followers. Having clear goals is as vital as any weaponry you bring to a battle, a powerful tool used in times of adversity and chaos.

Churchill’s vision: total victory. Ever wonder where that V-sign originated? He was one of its first advocates and used it to rally for Victory.

5. Courage

“Never give in – never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.”

Courage is considered to be the utmost skill any leader could have. Churchill held one of the toughest posts during the Second World War, and his decisions to carry on until the very end of it were even tougher.

When France surrendered to the Axis powers, Britain stood alone to fight the war. In spite of this, Churchill didn’t waver. If he had, the whole nation of Britain would have succumbed to the power of Nazi Germany.

6. Action

“We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…”

All the characteristics of a great leader mentioned above would be meaningless unless put into action. Churchill didn’t stop working until the break of dawn. He put stickers on orders—“Action This Day.”

After the collapse of France, Churchill was concerned that the French would pass over their battleships to the Germans. As a result, he initiated the attack on the Battle of Oran; six ships were destroyed, and more than a thousand French naval servicemen died. This was a symbol of how serious Churchill was to carry on, no surrender.

Sir Winston Churchill’s leadership helped guide Britain through its darkest hours. His resilience, vision, and ability to inspire remain powerful lessons for leaders today. While leadership takes many forms, few have left as lasting a legacy as Churchill.