Abraham Lincoln was one of our country’s greatest leaders, one that excelled in several of the necessary general personality traits and all of the task related personality traits listed in DuBrin’s Leadership: Research Findings, Practice and Skills. I chose Abraham Lincoln for my topic primarily because of his legacy for humility and honesty. Additionally, Lincoln also exhibited several other personality traits of a leader including enthusiasm, passion for his country and adaptability. Abraham Lincoln’s most memorable presidential legacies were the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War. In hindsight many of the changes that the United States endured during his term may have happened anyway, however having a good leader to support the transition was a very fortunate occurrence. Lincoln’s humble beginnings may have provided the necessary elements of his growth into such a memorable leader. Trustworthiness is a general trait characteristic in leaders, which ultimately encourages followers to work with enthusiasm and perform to the best of their abilities (Dubrin, 2014). Lincoln exhibited these behaviors earnestly throughout his life, which is one of the reasons he is acknowledged as such a great leader in history. Abraham Lincoln started in a very humble economic status which did not afford for elaborate educational opportunities. The shortcoming of his economic status did not stop Lincoln from learning, instead he borrowed books whenever he
Today our nations built upon equality and the idea that every man is created equal. Abe Lincoln helped establish equality and the mindset that comes with these beliefs were introduced to early americans from Abraham Lincoln. He helped abolish slavery and introduce a new era and shape america how it is today. Not only is he one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil War but an early influence and catalyst on the later Civil Rights Movement.
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
April 15, 1865 was a highly anticipated evening at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. President Abraham Lincoln, along with Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward were scheduled to attend a showing of Our American Cousin. This enjoyable gathering soon turned to tragedy for the American leaders. In the middle of the performance, shots were fired and blood was shed while the unassuming audience sat oblivious to the events unfolding. John Wilkes Booth executed his scheme to assassinate President Lincoln, one of the most important and influential men in American history, who inspired the masses with his unexpected rise to power.
Williams shows us that Lincoln never hesitated in making difficult decisions based on results. Lincoln's people skills are clearly established in Williams’s writings. Lincoln seems keen at applying pressure as well as giving his generals a free hand when necessary.
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
Lincoln’s ability to control his emotions was another great trait that he possessed. Even though Lincoln was known for treating those he worked with fairly, when he was driven to frustration or anger, he would often channel his emotions by writing what he referred to as “hot letters” to the person he was agitated with, but would keep it after writing it. When Lincoln did lose his temper, he would usually not hold a grudge against the individual (Moreton, 2008).
For instance, scholarly journals and history books often praise Abraham Lincoln for his policies against slavery during the Civil War and how he initiated those policies throughout the country despite a war being carried out at the time. Abraham Lincoln was faced with a challenge, which was slavery, and faced the challenge by enacting laws that would ultimately eliminate and solve the issue, and he is greatly remembered for his deeds. Although history books and journals will state how great of an orator, lawyer, and decision maker Lincoln was at the time, some may argue that those skills were necessary in ensuring the policies he enacted were carried out. Those skills were, in fact, necessary to Lincoln’s success as president, but it was how he faced the challenge of war and slavery that he is most noted for.
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.
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.
The mythical personality of Theodore Roosevelt is immortal. He went from a voraciously inquisitive child, to an active young fellow, lastly, an uproarious progressive as a legislator (Roosevelt & In O'Toole, 2012). According to Theodore Roosevelt, characteristics deserving of reverence included hard work, physical activity, tenacity, drive, determination, friendship, compassion, mutual
In chapter two of Lincoln on Leadership, Lincoln is described in detail for his compassionate and caring nature. He was said to contain this particular nature by the fact that he maintained alliances, took time out of his schedule to stay in contact with his people, and he granted many pardons as a result of his kindness. I find the utilization of compassion and a caring nature provide the
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.
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Kentucky, United States of America and died on April 15, 1865. Throughout his life, Abraham showed an excessive amount of influence on not only the U.S.A. but the whole world. I have made this biography to tell about the life of this international hero.