Honest To Goodness Leadership Traits—Abraham Lincoln


Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many as one of the greatest leaders of all time. What can leaders take away from what we know about Honest Abe that is relevant today? Here are just a few suggestions that leaders everywhere can learn from the sixteenth president.
  • Listen deeply to what people on all sides say. Lincoln was a northerner, but understood the plight of the southerners. He incorporated their feelings and struggles into his speeches and correspondence.
  • Acknowledge your errors and learn from your mistakes. That was something Lincoln was particularly good at, and it commanded respect from allies and opponents alike.
  • Be able to relax and replenish your energy. In Lincoln’s case, he went to the theater and told humorous stories before tough cabinet meetings. Roosevelt had cocktail hours during World War II. One rule: Attendees couldn’t talk about the war. Instead, they discussed books and other leisure activities.
  • Keep your anger in perspective. When Lincoln got angry with someone, he had a ritual of writing a letter that expressed all his emotions. But he then put it aside and never sent it.
  • Don’t be a success hog. Lincoln knew he would not be able to accomplish things without the help of his cabinet and staff. He shared credit for successes among his team.
  • If you have a weakness, choose someone who is strong in that area to counterbalance you. Lincoln brought his political adversaries into his cabinet. He did it with Edwin M. Stanton, who publicly belittled him. Lincoln later made him secretary of war because felt Stanton was the best person for the job.
  • Be visible during a crisis. Whenever something bad happened during the Civil War, Lincoln went out amidst the troops. For leaders, in tough times let yourself be seen. Setting an example is the most powerful thing of all.
  • Master timing. Lincoln would announce changes in policies after gauging public sentiment. After you’ve absorbed the feeling of your staff, make the right decision about the time to announce a change or new way of doing things.
  • When speaking publicly, get it right. Lincoln worked for days on speeches and letters and used the best examples he could. He used examples from everyday life. People were able to relate to them better.
  • Shoulder responsibility for the failures of your subordinates.Lincoln knew that he was the leader of a team and he was ultimately responsible for what everyone under him did.

--Adapted from Lincoln’s Leadership Lessons forbes.com




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