Lead Like Lincoln
Ready — Born in a log cabin, self-educated, and hardened by repeated political defeats, Abrham Lincoln became a leader amidst struggles. He failed in business. He lost elections. He battled personal discouragement. Each setback refined his character. Lincoln’s early struggles forged his character with endurance, discipline, and clarity.
Set — By the time Lincoln assumed the presidency in 1861, the nation was fracturing. Southern states were seceding, and war was imminent. When civil war erupted, he did the unthinkable and assembled a cabinet that included former political rivals. Though criticized relentlessly, he stayed focused on preserving the Union. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation at a pivotal moment, reframing the war around both unity and freedom. He communicated clearly, wrote carefully, and grounded decisions in principle rather than popularity.
Lincoln led well because he . . .
Clarified the Mission. Preserving the Union remained non-negotiable. While different motives abounded, he kept the main issue the main thing.
Welcomed Strong Voices. He built a “team of rivals” and listened before deciding. By including rivals in his cabinet, he guaranteed balanced decision-making by hearing all sides of every issue.
Communicated to All. His speeches were brief, memorable, and grounded in lived wisdom. He spoke to the masses as well as the classes.
Balanced Compassion with Resolve. He demonstrated compassion with visits to soldiers. Yet, he prosecuted the war with a vigor that put most of his generals to shame.
Persevered Under Criticism. He was criticized for his physical looks, as well as for his policies, but absorbed all attacks without losing direction.
Grow! — Leadership during a crisis requires steady conviction and steady temperament. Lincoln once observed that public sentiment shapes outcomes, but he never surrendered principle to polling. He was ready because adversity had prepared him. Great leaders do not rise because times are easy. They rise because their character was formed in times of struggle.
Two Questions
What adversity has prepared you for your next leadership challenge?
Are you building a team that challenges you or simply agrees with you?