Feb. 24, 2022, was a dark day for the world. Russia began the largest full-scale military attack in Europe since World War II. No one expected the conflict in Ukraine to last long — maybe a few weeks, likely a few days or even just hours.

Three years have since passed. The Ukrainians have held back the Russians, and they continue to fight. Much of the credit for Ukraine’s resistance can be given to the nation’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Before becoming president in 2019, Zelensky was Eastern Europe’s entertainer extraordinaire. People called him “The Showman.” Think Bob Hope, plus some. As part of his act, he was often critical of politicians, energizing fans who encouraged him to seek political office. He first thought the idea was absurd but was eventually persuaded to run a grassroots campaign. Without campaigning full time, he was elected with 73% of the vote.

No one is ever fully prepared to lead a country under attack from a much bigger, stronger enemy. Zelensky stepped up, stayed in Ukraine and fought, even as countries offered to evacuate him. He turned them all down, including President Joe Biden, saying: “I don’t need a ride. I need weapons.” He also told foreign leaders he didn’t expect to live long.

It’s hard to discount the significant impact Zelensky’s leadership has had on Ukraine’s staying power. While it’s unlikely that any of us will ever have to lead a country that’s under attack, Zelensky’s actions offer some lessons for any leader.

First, despite pressure few of us can understand, Zelensky was crystal clear about his goals and priorities. He said the Ukrainians were going to resist, and he was staying in the capital to lead the resistance. He was determined not only to hold back the Russians, but also to defeat them.

Second, Zelensky not only expressed courage, but modeled it. By sleeping on a cot in Kiev instead of in a luxury suite in Paris or London, Zelensky inspired his countrymen. He knew he was the enemy’s top target. His courage inspired an entire country to fight.

Third, Zelensky stayed emotionally in tune with his fighters. Early in the war, he visited battlefield lines. Not even his closest advisers knew until several weeks later. Nearly everyone advised him not to go, but Zelensky said he needed to understand the emotions of those fighting — because how your team is feeling is critical to success. Problems are rarely understood at the executive level, but they are almost always understood on the front lines.

Fourth, Zelensky trusted his team and regularly demonstrated that trust to them. He collaborated with his military leaders on strategy while giving them autonomy to manage the tactical plans. Empowering his team, instead of micromanaging, not only gave them a sense of responsibility, but also energized them to get the job done.

Fifth, Zelensky has been authentic. He doesn’t try to fit any expectations for a leader. He doesn’t hold himself out as someone he isn’t. He has presented himself as a Ukrainian trying to fight against what he, and much of the world, believe was a huge injustice. Sure, he lost his coat and tie, but that’s because he is beyond pretense. Zelensky is fighting a war, not trying to impress anyone.

Sixth, and finally, Zelensky understands that effective communication is a huge strategic weapon. He was an entertainer, so this fact played into his personal strengths. Zelensky helped the world understand that the Russian attack was not just a skirmish between two parts of the old Soviet Union. It was instead part of a bigger plan by Russia to expand its global empire, violently if necessary. Zelensky communicated this at home and abroad, significantly improving Ukraine’s will and ability to fight.

These were costly lessons, but every leader can take a lesson from Zelensky today: create clarity, have courage, stay emotionally in touch with your team, trust your team, be authentic and communicate well.

Even longtime leaders can learn from Zelensky. I have led organizations for decades and fully understand the associated pressure, but I cannot come close to understanding the pressure Zelensky feels. Examining his success can provide all of us with opportunities not only to be learners, but also to lead better.

The Showman, an excellent book by Time magazine correspondent Simon Shuster, captures what life was like in Ukraine at the beginning of the war. Shuster does a great job profiling Zelensky. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about Zelensky or Ukraine to check out this book.

Bill Yeargin is CEO of Correct Craft and author of six books including the best seller Education of a CEO.