Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about sharing the risks and responsibilities that come with them. As Nassim Taleb explains in Skin in the Game, “You do not truly control an outcome unless you have something to lose.” History is full of leaders who earned the trust of their people by putting their own stakes on the line, demonstrating their commitment to the causes they championed.

In this post, we’ll explore historical examples of leaders who embodied the principle of skin in the game and examine how their actions inspired loyalty, trust, and lasting impact.

Examples of Leaders Who Had Skin in the Game

1. George Washington

As the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Washington didn’t lead from the safety of a distant command post. He shared the hardships of his troops, enduring the brutal winter at Valley Forge alongside them. His willingness to suffer the same conditions as his soldiers cemented his credibility and earned their respect.

• Skin in the Game: Washington risked his life and reputation by taking on the role of a revolutionary leader. He didn’t just send troops into battle—he led them there, sharing the risks of war firsthand.

2. Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War was marked by personal sacrifice. He shouldered the weight of a divided nation, often staying up late to visit battlefronts, consult generals, and comfort wounded soldiers. His willingness to take personal responsibility for the war’s outcomes and his moral commitment to ending slavery exemplified skin in the game.

• Skin in the Game: Lincoln risked political backlash, personal safety, and the stability of the Union to pursue what he believed was right, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

3. Winston Churchill

During World War II, Churchill’s steadfast leadership inspired a nation under siege. Far from retreating to safety, he remained in London during the Blitz, often visiting bombed neighborhoods and speaking directly with citizens. Churchill’s presence on the front lines of the crisis demonstrated his commitment to sharing the risks of war with the British people.

• Skin in the Game: By staying in London during the war, Churchill placed himself in harm’s way, showing solidarity with those he led and proving his dedication to their shared struggle.

4. Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt’s passion for conservation wasn’t limited to policy. As an outdoorsman and naturalist, he explored the very wilderness he sought to protect, often putting himself in physically challenging and dangerous situations. His firsthand experience gave him the credibility to champion conservation efforts that left a lasting legacy.

• Skin in the Game: Roosevelt didn’t just advocate for preserving nature—he lived it. His personal investment in the wilderness shaped his policies and inspired a national movement.

5. Nelson Mandela

Mandela’s 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid in South Africa exemplify the ultimate skin in the game. He didn’t just advocate for equality—he sacrificed his freedom and risked his life for it. When he emerged from prison, his commitment to reconciliation and justice earned him the trust of a divided nation.

• Skin in the Game: Mandela’s willingness to endure personal suffering for his cause made his leadership deeply authentic and transformative.

Why Skin in the Game Matters in Leadership

1. It Builds Trust

When leaders share the risks and burdens of their decisions, they earn the trust of their constituents. People are more likely to follow someone who demonstrates commitment through action, not just words.

2. It Inspires Loyalty

Leaders who put themselves on the line inspire loyalty and respect. Their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good creates a bond with their followers that’s hard to break.

3. It Strengthens Credibility

Leaders with skin in the game are seen as authentic and credible. They’re not just talking about change—they’re living it.

How to Apply These Lessons in Your Campaign

1. Share the Struggles of Your Constituents

Spend time in the communities you’re advocating for. Experience their challenges firsthand, and show voters you’re not removed from their reality.

• Example: If you’re running on a platform of affordable housing, spend time volunteering with organizations that serve the homeless or support low-income families.

2. Take Accountability for Your Decisions

Own your policies and the outcomes they produce, whether they succeed or fail. Voters respect leaders who take responsibility instead of deflecting blame.

• Example: Highlight times in your career when you’ve made tough decisions and stood by them, even when the consequences were difficult.

3. Demonstrate Personal Investment

Show voters that you’re directly impacted by the issues you’re addressing. If you’re advocating for small business owners, talk about your own experiences as an entrepreneur or the struggles your family faced.

• Example: “As someone who grew up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, I understand how important it is to create jobs that pay a living wage.”

Final Thoughts

The leaders we admire most are those who share in the risks, struggles, and sacrifices of the people they serve. Whether standing on the battlefield, enduring personal hardship, or taking responsibility for their actions, they prove their commitment through action, not just words.

As Nassim Taleb says, “Courage is when you sacrifice your own well-being for the sake of others.” By embracing the principle of skin in the game, you can lead with authenticity, inspire loyalty, and leave a legacy that voters will respect and remember.

Ready to lead by example? At Next Generation Political Consulting, we help candidates build campaigns rooted in trust, accountability, and real-world connections. Let’s create a strategy that shows voters you have skin in the game—and the heart to lead.