Author Stephen Mansfield writes that he was once asked to comment on the common denominator of greatness among famous leaders. Here is his answer:

"suffering and the imprint that suffering leaves on the soul.' This is a lesson often lost in our generation. The truth is, though, that most of the great men and women of history were great because they offered to the world lessons of inspiration, wisdom and character that they learned in private battles."

Check out Stephen Mansfield's latest blog on the role that suffering and weakness play in the life of great leaders.