Lincoln and Leadership

Lincoln and Leadership 

After reading and researching Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, I learned that before occupying the White House, President Obama was asked in an interview "what one book will you bring with you to the White House" and he said Team of Rivals. Before reading this book, I knew Abraham Lincoln was reveled and goes down in history as one of the great presidents, but I had no idea that he was so idealized for his leadership qualities. When describing Lincoln's leadership qualities, the word "finesse" effectively describes the maneuvering, ease, efficiency and skill that Lincoln demonstrated in his ability to lead his cabinet and the nation.

Lincoln was not one to jump to conclusions or react quickly but rather valued the opinions of those around him and took time to process and evaluate decisions. It takes great courage to surround yourself with those who are not your best allies but who have the most knowledge in a subject area and want the best for the nation.

The leadership quality that was most personally impactful and noticeable was Lincoln's psychological capital. Lincoln demonstrated all components: efficacy, optimism, hope and resiliency throughout his leadership roles and throughout his lifetime, both professionally and personally. He had a vision for the country and a plan for how he was to achieve the vision and he believed in himself, the union and his leadership team beyond all measures.

It was especially inspiring to read about a leader that was not the front runner or a domineering character who had to have the first and last say. I think Lincoln presented an efficient, but also a softer side of leadership that speaks measures to how efficient the Carnegie principals are. As we said in class, Lincoln was the embodiment of Carnegie's principles, many years before the Carnegie principles even existed. Lincoln was the cool, calm and collected leader that kept his friends close and his enemies closer who believed in vision larger than himself and was wiling to work with a team of rivals to serve the the nation as commander in chief. He was able to win friends and influence people by appealing to nobler motives and getting to know the person and be genuinely interested in other people. He was able to diffuse a tough situation with storytelling and able to rally the troops and stir things up when necessary.

I enjoyed both reading and listening to this book on audiobook. The book was daunting at first because it was such a large task in a short amount of time, but when great things are expected, people (and I) rise to the occasion to make it happen.