Abraham Lincoln Research Paper

Abraham Lincoln also offered a better explanation to his own people of what they were fighting for. He displayed this leadership through his progressive steps towards emancipation, one early example being the contrabands of war. The army and congress determined that they would not return escaped slaves who went to Union lines and classified them as contraband. They used many as laborers to support Union efforts and soon began to pay them wages. This would seem exceedingly important as the war turned into one against slavery.

I start this project on Lincoln’s leadership very reluctantly. I am a history buff and have always viewed his leadership through the eyes of jaded historians. They have portrayed him as a dictator, incompetent, and a buffoon at some points. After reading the Donald T. Phillips book Lincoln on Leadership, my mindset was totally changed. This book broke down four key areas that produced an effective leader in Lincoln. These areas are character, people, endeavor, and communication. I will be sharing a principal from each key area that I found important and then conclude with an overall thought.

In Abraham Lincoln, by George McGovern, McGovern summarizes and gives insight on one of the United States’ most well-known and highly praised presidents, Abraham Lincoln. McGovern thoroughly outlines Lincoln’s life, his struggles and how he became the great president that he was. One point McGovern continues to mention is how no matter how bad a situation was or even when people doubted Lincoln, he would take his defeats and preserve. In the beginning of the book, McGovern recounts Lincoln’s life as a kid and a young adult. He describes how no matter how bad Lincoln failed or how sad he was, “Lincoln would not resign himself to failure and loss; instead he learned from each experience and carried on” . In addition, McGovern continues to mention how Lincoln never stopped learning. From a young age, Lincoln loved to learn, read and expand his knowledge so he could fully analyze any situation. According to McGovern, this personality trait allowed Lincoln to work and rise up from a farmer’s son to the President of the United States. This trait, also, allowed Lincoln “to take a far more active role in managing military affairs” . Lincoln was able to come up with a new strategy for the Union to win the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln demonstrates a good amount of qualities that made an admired and inspirational leader. Abraham lincoln was able to keep his goal in mind while maintaining his great personality. He was able to listen to different point of views and not regards anyone’s opinions and ideas because simply he was the president. As well as, he was able to demonstrate helpful and supportive leadership during the Civil War. By freeing the slaves, he was showing his compassion for humanity and had a great

President Lincoln was trying to tie together the key principles of our founding fathers with freedom, equality, and democracy which are embodied

Lincoln’s plan was amiable and compassionate. He wanted to unite the states swiftly with little

Lincoln was a noble man. He was known as honest “Abe” when he practiced law. When he spoke he stood still and kept his hands behind his back. He used his words very cautiously but spoke with conviction and motivation. He was always very positive, hoping for a reconciliation between the states. “Lincoln's distinctively human and

President Abraham Lincoln orated a powerful persuasive speech in his Second Inaugural Address, just one month before the end of the Civil War. This speech shed light to his contemplation of the effects of the Civil War and provided his vision for the future of the nation. Lincoln’s address was written through a logical theme that focused on the unity of the country. He used religion, specific diction, and flat-out logical thinking to convey his message. The speech was given as the Civil War was ending, and President Lincoln wanted to provide a bit of light in a very dark time. He could have given the lengthy speech that the audience expected; but instead, he gave a short message of unity that fueled the United States for years to come.

Lincoln was a visionary leader (transformational) as well as an astute politician (transactional). “Transactional leader, in contrast to a transformational leader, a leader who performs more routine but essential leadership and managerial tasks such as a politician’s offer of jobs for the votes of his constituents” (Weiss, 2011). It is vital to comprehend that Lincoln was a politician as well as a leader, and to be able to know how he infrequently used transactional leadership skills to attain desired results. Chesebrough, states that Lincoln put forth the following transactional argument: “ If I free the slaves, we will save the Union” (Chesebrough, 2004). With this quarrel Lincoln hoped to divert some of the censure that would be directed his way by people that were against liberation and troops that still held the position that they hadn’t gone to war to free the slaves.

For Lincoln, this nearly an obsession as people he worked with would see him “always calculating and planning ahead” and “was a little engine that knew no rest”(Phillips 108). This completely shows how Lincoln was a set leader, as he would prepare himself for the worst and when simple things go wrong. All of which shows how Lincoln was the leader for the 1800’s, and still is seen as an icon for many, still to this day. As the people he worked with had felt empowered, they saw it from him “demonstrating a sense of urgency toward attainment” towards his goals(Phillips 112). As Lincoln believes that “leadership requires aggressive individuals and those who accept a take charge role”(Phillips 109). As he “was a tireless worker and a public speaker and had fit the mold of reliable and tirelessly persistent”(Legal). He was always at the ready and would be a major icon, as he knew that goals should be achieved no matter what. He was a full supporter of other policies when he was president, such as the Homestead Act, which “allowed poor people in the East to obtain land in the

Lincoln on Leadership is a book that discusses all of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership styles and strategies and talks about how successful he was because of these attributes as our President. The main character of the book is President Abraham Lincoln. He grew up in a poor background and worked his way to where he was as President. Lincoln tried many careers such as a postmaster, a surveyor, and a lawyer so that he could have a life of success. He always learned from his failures and worked very hard to make it in life because he was from such a disadvantaged background. He was devoted to human rights, innovation, and compassion. He was an amazing leader with leadership styles that kept the United States as one. Leaders today should be able to use these guidelines and to try to an effective leader no matter what setting this is in whether it is business, politics, or healthcare.

1. How was Lincoln able to grow and prosper for so long in such a difficult commodity industry that forced out other giants such as General Electric, Westinghouse, and BOC? What is the source of Lincoln’s outstanding and enduring success?

Abraham Lincoln was an ethical leader. Lincoln grew up against slavery. Lincoln stayed with what he believed and was not afraid to speak out against slavery. He stood up for what he believed in and most importantly what he believed was right for the citizens. This act will attract a lot of followers. Lincolns ethical values is what made him a great president as well as a great leader. Lincolns communication was another important quality during his time. Lincoln was well spoken and spoke to motivate many others.

​Abraham Lincoln addressed the people of the United States in his writing “The Gettysburg Address.” Lincoln’s speech addresses how our nation dealt with the struggle of equality and humanity. Lincoln’s strong ideas and beliefs on humanity are shown in his speech: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion” (503).

Abraham Lincoln is perceived as one of the most distinguished presidents in American History. Through his great leadership, he was able to guide America through a time marked by social unrest and eventual civil war. Before his inauguration, the Union was dissolving, so Lincoln chose to preserve this country and the freedom it guarantees by waging war with the rebellious South. These efforts, along with his relentless drive toward creating a slave-free country, clearly lead the United States towards being what it is today. The conditions that enabled Abraham Lincoln to both become and be recognized as a great president were that he had been reared as a common, humble and honest person, was of high intelligence, had a strong work ethic, and,