A Leader's Finest Hour

Regarding actions, behaviors, and decisions, Abraham Lincoln is a shining example of a visionary and ethical leader. In his words, actions, and decisions, Lincoln embodied the visionary leader concept throughout his presidency, managing diversity and influencing change despite massive resistance. During this same period, Lincoln further personified the qualities of an ethical leader, specifically in handling a divisive ethical dilemma. Thus, it is imperative leaders, myself included, consider and reflect upon Abraham Lincoln’s leadership as a guide in their own development. In doing so, a leader discovers powerful and resonating skills to inspire people, shape organizations, and craft a better tomorrow.

The book, “Remarkable Leadership”, is significant in our leadership discussion because its main focus is on bringing out the leader quality in all of us. The book’s premises rest on the belief that leaders maybe born but they can also be developed, thus leadership is learnt. The author draws reference on the fact that we are all born with some sort of talent/gift or we may have an interest in something that needs to be developed through training. The critical concepts in the books discuss the qualities and roles that leader should possess, which include being; an advocate for change, an effective communicator, a teacher/mentor, develop necessary relationship, being an innovator, know the importance of teamwork, and one who values learning continuously.

I began this book like most books, with great anticipation that it was going to be amazing, why else would a qualified instructor assign it. I assumed that it would be a shining example of the finest managerial principals in existence all compacted into a simple to read text with plenty of graphs and helpful handouts. I was certain that I would be a more effective leader for having read it. I spent time strategizing how I would write my paper with great enthusiasm. Then, I read the book.

Throughout recent history, the definition of leadership has been the subject of a vast number books, articles, and essays. Countless authors have attempted define the ability to lead in a tangible way. They have scrutinized on how one becomes a leader and how one successfully leads. Because the ability to lead is so ambiguous and no one can follow a definable set of steps to become a leader, many authors have use examples of leaders to illustrate their views on the subject. And even in the limited scope of time that is the history of the United States, dozens of men and women have lead Americans through their words, beliefs, and actions. Whether they are appointed leaders such as President George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, or leaders of worthwhile cause such as Susan B. Anthony or Martin Luther King Jr., these leaders provide a blueprint that if examined carefully, can provide useful advice for those aspiring to become great leaders. And for Donald T. Phillips, the American leader whose life “still inspires and moves people from all walks of life” and provides an example of leadership that is without equal is Abraham Lincoln (Phillips). In his book Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times Phillips provides 15 overarching leadership qualities that Lincoln followed all throughout his life. By describing how Lincoln exhibited each of these qualities thoroughly, Phillips then relates how potential leaders today can duplicate those same qualities in their

These men and women led the way to do what they have done, whether showing their leadership in the business world, the political landscape, or the high school classroom. I know that I have been a leader for my peers, just as they have been for me. When preparing for a presentation for the Delaware State Student Council, I found a quote by Tom Peters, a writer on business management principles, which really resonated with me. “Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders”. I have, since then, done what the quote says, and have built leaders in my peers and my friends. Leadership will continue to be a focal point of my character as a member of the Caesar Rodney National Honor Society, to better not just the people around me, but myself as

My father and uncles’ instilled a statement in my head from a young age that I will never forget. This statement is closely related to the Law of Legacy and very relevant to being a leader in the modern business world. The statement only consists of a few words, but these words are very powerful and if this statement is followed, your reputation as a leader will be respected and hopefully emulated. The statement is, “Lead by example, do what is right, be the best you can be, and treat others the way you would like to be treated.”

Merriam-Webster defines legacy as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past” and a leader as “something that guides or directs”. When put together, a legacy leader is someone that has had a significant impact or influence on others through their leadership. Over the duration of my military career I have had many different types of leaders in all shapes and sizes. The leader that has had the most influence in my career as a professional and leader is Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Retired) Marc Brydges.

In the Leadership Challenge, 4th edition, it is Kouzes & Posner (2007) intention to present a road map for individuals to follow on their leadership journey. The authors stress that “leadership is not a gene and it’s not an inheritance.” Leadership they assert is “an identifiable set of skills and abilities that are available to all of us” (p. 23). They make clear that the “great person” theory of leadership is “plain wrong.” Leaders are our everyday heroes who do extraordinary things on a regular basis (p. 23).

The most impactful example of leadership was that of Mrs. Stratton. At first, Mrs. Stratton’s

Great leaders have shaped the World we live in today and they are remembered for what they were able to accomplish during their lifetime. The history books are filled with leaders that changed the very nature of something by taking a different road or challenging the way everyone perceived things. Leaders would not be able to accomplish these daring feats without the help of their followers, the individuals in the background giving them their support (Schermerhorn & Uhl-Bien, 2014). Colleen Barrett was able to break through the glass ceiling and led Southwest Airlines (SWA) to become one of the most successful airlines in the industries (Dierendonck & Patterson, 2010). In the following pages will explore Colleen Barrett’s leadership

Leaders understand that they will one day leave behind a legacy and actively work toward what they would like their legacy left after they are gone to be. Just as in sports a coach needs a team of good players to win, an organization needs a team of good leaders to succeed. A legacy is created only when a person puts his organization into the position to do great things without him. Personally, I feel that while one should live with an understanding that they will one day perish, I do not believe that people should live their lives surrounding their legacy. I believe that leaders should be more focused on the impact they have had on their team members and the growth they have fostered in them than their legacy. This being said, I also see how

Leadership Legacy Assessment “will help you articulate your natural role with clarity, as distinct from your career path, current position, or the current condition of your company. It will help you sort out the distinctions between your roles and titles, and identify where you get the greatest satisfaction and where your strengths lie. Ultimately, it gives you something to think about as you plan the kind of legacy you want to leave. Most people share the characteristics of several types of leaders” (Galford, 2011).

Robin is the retail store manager and volunteer coordinator at SCRAP Denton. SCRAP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit franchise of secondhand craft and art supplies. Their mission is to reduce the amount of materials that end up in the trash by encouraging sustainability and efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover materials. Robin was interviewed because she is a leader to the many volunteers at SCRAP and as a worker in a small business, it’s interesting how she balances being a manager and a friend to others below her in the organization. Robin treats everyone with kindness and respect so it is difficult to imagine her in a position where she would have to make a tough decision. However, there was a time where she had to fire an individual and that decision came with discussion with her fellow staff. Robin is a leader who shows that it is possible to have a balance between having a positive relationship with followers while also being able

When I think of Leadership Legacy, Derek Steffen is the first individual that comes to mind. Derek joined Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) during his initial weeks on campus as a first-year student. Quickly, he elevated into a leadership position within the organization. From there he only continued to bloom as an inspirational leader within the organization.

when a hoped-for promotion never materialized. Her superiors told her that she hadn’t performed as well as they’d expected. Specifically, they told her she’d requested too much time off to Adapting to feedback is critical for managers who find themselves in jobs, companies, and industries undergoing frequent transitions. spend with her children,