Japanese mindset of the day by Miyamoto Musashi : Leadership is often associated with the ability to influence, motivate, or direct other people. However, some of history's greatest thinkers believed that true leadership begins long before a person attempts to guide anyone else. According to legendary Japanese swordsman and philosopher Miyamoto Musashi, the foundation of influence is the ability to master one's own thoughts, emotions, and actions before trying to shape the behavior of others.