Book Review - Lincoln On Leadership

Abraham Lincoln has to be one of the most incredible success stories in the annals of history. He grew up on abject poverty. He was self-educated. He had bouts of depression. He lost more elections than he won. Between those defeats and challenges, he will be remembered as one of the greatest Presidents in U.S. history. He became President at the most trying and difficult time in U.S. history- during the Civil War. Though many would consider him the best, he definitely had the most challenges and obstacles in his life. The book, “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald Phillips, gives a historical enactment on his leadership style.

The book has four distinct parts:

* People

* Character

* Endeavor

* Communication

These are four areas which Abraham Lincoln had strong skills in. In the first part of the book (People), the three chapters are great advice for any leader:

1) Get Out of the Office and Circulate Among the Troops

2) Build Strong Alliances

3) Persuade Rather Than Coerce

Most so-called leaders would stay in their ivory tower and direct from a distance. Abraham Lincoln was known to go among his troops during the Civil War. After the Battle of Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln went immediately to the battlefield to honor the troops from both sides. His Gettysburg Address was rather short but it is memorable and possibly his best speech. He wrote the speech himself on the train going to Gettysburg. This was long before speech writers would mold and even dilute the message of the President. Abraham Lincoln was not quick to criticize. He build strong alliances and would rather persuade positively. He refrained from criticizing the South. But, his seemingly gentle approach should not be confused with being soft. He exercised a high degree of discretion and restraint during a time of civil unrest. These traits are conducive for any leader to possess and exercise.

The book is well-written. After the end of each chapter, there is a summary of ideas on Lincoln’s Principles. The key characteristics of Lincoln was honesty and integrity. He was known as “Honest Abe”. That key principle of leadership permeates on his style of leadership. He had principles not situational ethics. This is a huge reason why his leadership style is exemplary.

The book has an excellent sub-heading of: Executive Strategies For Tough Times. Abraham Lincoln served as President by not being a typical politician. He had a leadership style that exemplified strength though gentle, tough though yielding, goal-oriented yet result-oriented, and principled yet non-imposing.

Book Review - Lincoln On Leadership