Abraham Lincoln’s Leadership Lessons

The overview of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style, as presented in the article, “The Team of Rivals: Abraham Lincoln’s Crisis Cabinet”, based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals: The Genius of Abraham Lincoln (2005) was inspiring.  Although I had seen the film, Lincoln, this historical perspective which focused on Lincoln’s leadership skills reflected in his behavior towards individuals who were competitors was new to me, and the lessons therein are profound.

Lincoln was intent on building the strongest team possible at a critical time in US history.  He kept his highly intelligent rivals close by offering them cabinet positions.  It appears Lincoln admitted his vulnerability in many areas; he knew he wasn’t perfect, had limitations, so he created a cabinet of men with a complement of skills and knowledge that made the team whole. He was clear and resolute in his vision and communicated that vision firmly, and listened closely before jumping into a debate.  There was a humility in his demeanor; Lincoln could admit failure, pick himself up, and continue to work slowly, surely and forward with a purpose.  He was confident, yet without a sense of self-importance, unlike some of the personalities in his cabinet. He had an uncanny ability to understand people, their strengths and weaknesses, capitalize on those strengths and forgive the weaknesses.  Lincoln was always working towards a higher purpose that was free from ego and based on what he felt was “the greater good” (p. 4).  There are numbers of positive words about Lincoln’s leadership style that flow freely throughout the article:  “genius”, “perceptive”, “steadfast”, “gracious”, “unselfish”, “humble”, “humorous”, and above all, principled.

Consistent with my assumption about leadership is the need to build a team and, if possible, leave one’s ego aside in the process.  The strongest complement of individuals, each with a variety of skills and knowledge, should be assembled and honored for their talents.  Lincoln’s humility allowed him to show appreciation and eschew self-importance.  It is critical in leadership, yet sometimes difficult, to be humble on a daily basis.

Also, Lincoln worked toward a purpose, a plan, a vision.  Currently, in healthcare continuing education, our plan sometimes waivers depending on the market and the business issues inherent in that market, such as fees, timing, new models of learning.  However, constant conversations as a team –similar to the lesson offered in the article which described Lincoln’s considerations, debates, and listening abilities – can facilitate a vision even though the plan towards that vision may change.

There are so many insights gained through this article.  Certainly, building a team regardless of past rivalries was inspiring.  Another insight was the ability to forgive rivals and think twice before sending a vitriolic letter expressing your anger towards them and their opinions.  Those letters (now e-mails) can come back to “bite” you at a later point.  In addition, the need to collect data and information before making a decision is key.  And finally, “the path to success and ambition is broad enough for two or more” (p. 11); share the success, forgive the failures, and continually build a team honestly and with humor.

The three most important leadership lessons from Lincoln are:

(1)    Listen to different points of view in order to gain a fair assessment of issues,  

 understanding alternatives, and honoring those who approach issues from different backgrounds and experiences. 

(2)    Be willing to share credit for success and to praise one’s colleagues.  There has been research showing employees want verbal/organizational recognition more than financial reward.  I think that is true, particularly in an organization that can’t provide extraordinary increases in salary.  Also, it’s important to constantly acknowledge employee successes and as the leader not hoard those thanks or be seen as the ultimate decision-maker responsible for the success; it is always a shared experience.

(3)    Possess the courage, integrity, and resolution to adhere to core principles and vision.  Ethics are important in any leadership role.  Some decisions may be difficult, but ultimately integrity keeps an organization doing the right things for the right reasons.