When you draw a shortlist of “great” leaders, Winston Churchill always appears near the top. When you delve even further and ask people to give examples of historical figures who’ve dealt with crisis Churchill appears shoulder-to-shoulder with Lincoln.

The history of Churchill raises a whole series of leadership questions, especially around the question of contingent leadership. What type of leadership style is appropriate for what particular moment in history? A close examination of Churchill focuses us on such issues as drama and tactics and the skills of mobilization.

If you haven’t seen The Gathering Storm & Into the Storm, you missed two truly insightful depictions on the dynamics and style of an exceptional leader.