Essay on Abraham Lincoln: a Great Leader

The appellation, “The Great Emancipator” is not granted to just any person, but rather it highlights a courageous, respectful, and driven individual. Abraham Lincoln’s contribution to the United States is so grand and captivating, that he is deservingly recognized as America’s greatest president. For example, he abolished slavery, led America through the Civil War, and prevented the Union from splitting apart. Abraham Lincoln is America’s greatest president and was the forceful leader that manipulated America from a state of turmoil into a state of justice and harmony.

In 1865, Abraham stood to deliver his Second Inaugural Address facing a population weary from war, divided by slavery, and in desperate need of a vision. In this moment, Lincoln stated “with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations” (Yale Law School, 2008). In these words, Lincoln articulates an ethical and optimistic vision for all Americans. Although his words are inspirational, Lincoln’s actions, behaviors, and decisions far better judge his extraordinary leadership.

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.

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

Honesty and integrity were also important aspects of Lincoln’s leadership. He understood that honesty was the best policy. Leaders are supposed to do the right thing and being honest is part of that. A truthful leader will have greater respect from his subordinates and they will also have more trust in a leader they can believe. In order to be known as honest Lincoln knew his words, deeds, and actions would need to be beyond reproach so he even refused to have dealings with dishonest people. He knew he needed to lead by example and if he was known to associate with questionable people that it could damage what he was trying to accomplish. Lincoln knew that honesty and integrity were qualities that will help a leader hold an organization together. He had firsthand experience at this by trying to keep our country united.

Abraham Lincoln was one of the key leaders that had determined the outcome of the Civil War. Despite his inadequacy with being a commander in chief of the Union, his job as a self taught lawyer permitted him to learn more quickly. He had read many different pieces and books about war and different strategies to better understand how to be a good war leader. He had patience, approached situations with caution (McPherson). Being the timid and soft spoken man that he was, most of his ideas given to military generals had been ‘brushed off’. Lincoln then found himself at a turning point. He started to take a more of a firm, assertive approach. After Lincoln’s adjustment in his style of leadership, The Union had a streak of victories, most prominently at the Battle of Vicksburg and Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg marking the turning point of the war.

Abe Lincoln was able to win people over because of his understanding of society. He showed attributes that, at the time, were more caring and loving than most people. For example, in some of his speeches from Illinois, he took a stance against slavery. He questioned if slavery was morally and constitutionally right, which was a big risk at the time. This move won over the liberal citizens in America, but greatly alienated the South, especially when Abe Lincoln won the election of 1860. His determination was another huge factor to him being a great influence. Even though he started out not taking the War seriously, which causes the Union to lose some important battles, these losses are a wake-up call for Lincoln, which reinvigorates him to fight back against the South and win the war, saving the Union and freeing the slaves. This ended up being his greatest strength, and what decides how he is remembered in history forever.

Abraham Lincoln was a strong leader because he appointed his rivals into his cabinet. This was a very bold and strong move for the President because all of his rivals were very smart and had all different views. His cabinet consisted of William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, William P. Fessenden, Simon Cameron, Edwin M. Stanton, Edward Bates, James Speed, Montgomery Blair, William Dennison, Gideon Welles, Caleb B. Smith and Caleb B. Smith. This proves that Abraham Lincoln was confident and cared more about the success of American than personal disputes.

The president, Abraham Lincoln, disscusses how both parties were gulity in the first couple of paragraphs. He explains how both of them, the parties, deprecated war by stating that, "one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came. " The president's tone and atitude toward the audience are filled with diappointment and shame. Because, such a statement allows the audience to aknowledge their mistakes and realize that no party is better than the other.

Think about it, what qualities makes a really great leader and president? Abraham Lincoln had multiple qualities, but which ones made him stand out and become such a great leader of our country? In the three passages, The Rise of a President, Lincoln's Famous address, and Grace Bedell and The President’s Beard, all give great examples that add to Abraham being known as an exception president. The three main topics that define Lincoln a great president are, smart, listening to the people, and dedication.

Lincoln had many strategies when it came to his leadership, and from the book, “Lincoln on Leadership,” his ideas and techniques are showcased in detail. From the many strategies that Lincoln had employed, I had identified three techniques from three different chapters in Lincoln on Leadership for analysis. The first strategy that I will discuss is from chapter two; “Showing your compassionate and caring nature will aid you in forging successful relationships.” The second strategy is from chapter three, and it is as follows; “A good leader avoids issuing orders, preferring to request, imply, or make suggestions.” Lastly, the third and final strategy that I will discuss if from Chapter six; “Do the very best you know how – the very best you can – and keep doing so until the end.” I chose these specific strategies in accordance to their applicability to my leadership style, as I find myself identifying with these rather comfortably. I will begin to explain this through the first strategy regarding compassion and a caring nature.

The Life of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 to Thomas and Nancy

Donald T. Phillips’ book, Lincoln on Leadership, explores the life and practices of Abraham Lincoln as the leader of the United States of America. Without question, Lincoln’s legacy lies as one of the greatest leaders in the history of the country. Lincoln’s style of leadership, which facilitated his accomplishment of one of the most complicated tasks in a divided country, have only recently become the foundation for developing concepts of leadership in both private and public organizations. Throughout Lincoln on Leadership, Phillips discusses over one hundred of Lincoln’s principles of leadership and practices, practices which still inspire and motivate persons in all aspects of society.

Lincoln mastered a high-level of self-awareness and self-control, which allowed him to understand, acknowledge and learn from the mistakes he made. It was his self-awareness, combined with his humility that won the admiration and approval of his peers, his cabinet and even his challengers. Lincoln made mistakes, but he wasted no time recognizing them, learning, and moving on. Self-awareness also enabled him to recognize his disadvantages and, therefore, construct a team that could counteract.

He often would walk from his office to the Secretary of War’s office to discuss strategies to win the war. David T. Phillips stated in his book Lincoln on Leadership that, “Lincoln spent most of his time among the troops” (p.13). Lincoln rode his horse most of the time to the camp of the Union soldiers and cheered them up. He also motivated them by letting them know the importance of winning the war. The Core Lesson under Individual Consideration states that, “The leader empathizes with and supports each follower and keeps channels of communication open” [BCEE] (2014a, p.13). We have discussed Lincoln as Visionary Leader now let’s move on to Lincoln as Ethical Leader.