~ Abraham Lincoln
1. Capacity to Listen
to Different Points of View
While researching her
Pulitzer Prize winning book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham
Lincoln, Kearns Goodwin learned that Lincoln had the capacity to listen to
different points of view. He created a climate where Cabinet members were free
to disagree without fear of retaliation. At the same time, he knew when to stop
the discussion and after listening to the various opinions, make a final
decision.
2. Ability to Learn
on the Job
Lincoln was able to
acknowledge errors, learn from them, and then move. In this way, he established
a culture of learning in his administration, said Kearns Goodwin.
3. Ready Willingness
to Share Credit for Success
In response to
concerns expressed by friends about the actions of some of his Cabinet members,
Lincoln stated that the "path to success and ambition is broad enough for
two" said Kearns Goodwin. When there was success, Lincoln shared the credit
with all of those involved.
4. Ready Willingness
to Share Blame for Failure
When mistakes were
made by members of his Cabinet, Lincoln stood up for them said Kearns Goodwin.
When contracts related to the war effort raised serious questions about a
member of his administration, Lincoln spoke up and indicated that he and his
entire Cabinet were to blame.
5. Awareness of Own
Weaknesses
Kearns Goodwin noted
that one of the weaknesses acknowledged by Lincoln was his tendency to give
people too many chances and because he was aware, he was able to compensate for
that weakness. As an example, she stated that George McClellan, Commander in
Chief of the Union Army, refused to follow directives about the war effort.
Lincoln eventually set a deadline and eventually removed McClellan from the
position.
6. Ability to Control
Emotions
According to Kearns
Goodwin, Lincoln treated those he worked with well. However, he did get angry
and frustrated, so he found a way to channel those emotions. He was known to
sit down and write what he referred to as a “hot letter” to the individual he
was angry with and then he would set the letter aside and not send it. If he
did lose his temper, Lincoln would follow up with a kind gesture or letter to
let the individual know he was not holding a grudge, said Kearns Goodwin. She
noted that one of the letters was released as part of Lincoln’s Presidential
papers with a notation that it was never signed nor sent.
7. Know How to Relax
and Replenish
Lincoln understood
the importance of relaxation and humor to shake of the stress of the day and to
replenish himself for the challenges of the next day. According to Kearns
Goodwin, Lincoln had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell funny
stories. He encouraged a healthy atmosphere of laughter and fun in his
administration. He also enjoyed going to the theater and spending time with
friends.
8. Go Out into the
Field and Manage Directly
During the Civil War,
many soldiers died and there were many ups and downs. Lincoln established
lasting connections with the troops by visiting the battlefield and hospitals,
which also helped bolster morale.
Lincoln also spent
time talking with members of the public, taking ‘public opinion baths’
according to Kearns Goodwin. He held public receptions and made a point of
shaking everyone’s hand and speaking to each individual.
9. Strength to Adhere
to Fundamental Goals
In the summer of
1964, said Kearns Goodwin, the war was not going well for the North. Members of
his political party came to Lincoln and said that there was no way to win the
war and he might need to compromise on slavery. Lincoln held firm on the issue
of slavery and turned away from this advice.
10. Ability to
Communicate Goals and Vision
Kearns Goodwin stated
that Lincoln had a “remarkable ability to communicate his goals to his
countrymen.” He made concepts simple and communicated with an understanding
of the concerns of the citizens.
When the war ended
and he won reelection, Lincoln did not focus on his achievements said Kearns
Goodwin. Rather, in his second inaugural speech, Lincoln focused on bringing
the country together as expressed in the following excerpt. “With malice
toward none, with charity for all, let us strive on to finish the work we are
in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the
battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and
cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
Kearns Goodwin ended
her keynote address with the following words from Leo Tolstoy about Abraham
Lincoln. His greatness consisted of the “integrity of his character and
moral fiber of his being.”
See article / http://hr.blr.com/whitepapers/Staffing-Training/Leadership/10-Qualities-that-Made-Abraham-Lincoln-a-Great-Lea
~ Abraham Lincoln
Allen
L Roland, Ph.D
http://allenlrolandsweblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/why-lincoln-still-matters-today.htmlHeart centered spiritual consultant and advisor Allen L Roland can be contacted at allen@allenroland.com Allen is also a lecturer and writer who shares a weekly political and social commentary on his web log and website allenroland.com. He is also a featured columnist on Veterans Today and guest hosts a monthly national radio show TRUTHTALK on www.conscioustalk.net
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