Lessons on Leadership from Lincoln
I’ve been re-reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book on Abraham Lincoln, “Team of Rivals”. His life is full of examples of leadership that continue to inspire people around the world, myself included. Some of the things that I admire about Lincoln are as follows:
Lincoln's commitment to his principles: he was a man of unwavering principles. During his presidential campaign, he spoke out against the spread of slavery and made it clear that he would do everything in his power to prevent it. When he was elected, he followed through on his promise, even though it led to the secession of several Southern states and eventually the Civil War. His commitment to his principles and values helped him to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
Lincoln's willingness to listen: he was known for his ability to listen to others and consider their perspectives. During his presidency, he regularly met with cabinet members and advisors to hear their opinions and gather information before making decisions. He also valued the opinions of ordinary citizens and would often invite them to the White House to share their views. This willingness to listen helped him to make informed decisions and build consensus around his policies.
Lincoln's sense of humour: Despite the serious nature of his work, Lincoln had a well-developed sense of humour that helped him to connect with people on a personal level. This ability to use humour to connect with others helped him to build relationships and gain the trust of his followers.
Lincoln's empathy: he was known for his ability to understand and empathise with the struggles of others. He often visited hospitals and battlefields during the Civil War to meet with wounded soldiers and offer them words of encouragement. He also wrote numerous letters of condolence to families who had lost loved ones in the war. This empathy helped him to connect with people on an emotional level and build trust and loyalty.
Lincoln's willingness to take responsibility: he was not afraid to take responsibility for his actions, even when they led to failure or defeat. During the Civil War, he took responsibility for several military failures and worked to learn from them and improve his strategies. He also took responsibility for the mistakes made by his advisors and cabinet members. This willingness to take responsibility helped him to build trust and respect among his followers.
Abraham Lincoln's life provides numerous examples of effective leadership that can serve as a model for leaders in any context. His commitment to his principles, willingness to listen, sense of humour, empathy, and willingness to take responsibility are all qualities that continue to inspire people today. By studying Lincoln's life and leadership style, we can gain valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective leader and make a positive impact in the world.
