The nation was divided. Each side had strong opinions on specific issues thinking they were right and half the nation was wit
h drawing from the union. This was the country Abraham Lincoln had to lead. A man who on the outside did not look like the best person, but on the inside was the exact right person to lead America through this tumultuous time.
Much has been written about Abraham Lincoln and I have only explored a little of the history of his leadership and legacy. Allow me to share three of the many qualities of this man which helped him and can help us be great leaders.
Prepare Thoroughly
In his book Lincoln on Leadership for Today by Donald Phillips he shares a story from February of 1860. Lincoln was asked to speak to the Young Men’s Central Republican Union in New York. He was concerned these New Yorkers may see him as a “country bumpkin” and not qualified to be a presidential candidate. With this thought in mind Philips says he “meticulously researched and prepared what was to be one of the longest speeches he ever gave.”
This was a point in time where his thorough preparation led to a speech that helped unify the Republican party under a common vision. As leaders we can speak from the heart, but our words carry weight and we must prepare thoroughly to take advantage of the opportunities we have to communicate with our team. Our words can either lift our team or bring them down. Take the time to prepare and lift those we lead.
Graciously Hold to Convictions
Many know that Lincoln was a man of faith and that drove many of his personal convictions. He also knew how to live out his faith in a gracious manner. One example is the pressure others were putting on to prohibit alcohol consumption completely. Although he was not a drinker, he voted against it. He willingly spoke out against drinking as “repugnant” and “uncharitable,” but he was careful to explain his issue was not with the people, but the habit. Phillips shares that Lincoln said “’drinkers may just be our [non-drunks] superiors,’ because there is a ‘proneness in the brilliant to fall into this vice.’”
As leaders we must be people of integrity who hold to our convictions but do so in a way that is gracious and respectful of those who think differently than we do. Know where you will hold your ground as Lincoln did on the issue of slavery but recognize where forcing your personal convictions with minor issues may alienate and disrespect. As Patrick Lencioni mentions in his book The Advantage about the culture of Intel, be willing to disagree on some issues, but commit to move together in a direction that will keep you moving toward your goals.
Connect with People
Lincoln was confident in who he was. Even in defeat he was gracious. This created a situation where he was able to build relational bridges with others. His confidence enabled him to surround himself with leaders who thought differently and even disagreed philosophically with him. Instead of being frustrated and alienating people he would seek to connect and bring them closer to himself.
Another example of Lincoln’s strength in connection can be seen in how he spent time among the Union troops during the Civil War. Phillips shares how he would share stories and be among the troops and even take hours to personally shake the hands and thank 6,000 troops. Taking this time not only informed his decisions, but also helped encourage those on the front lines. As a leader take time to be among those doing the heavy lifting to encourage and inspire them.
Which of these areas do you need to focus on in the next week? Are you a natural connector or do you need to grow in this area? If so, check out the Maxwell DISC Personality Indicator as a tool to better understand your personal communication style and how to connect more effectively with those you lead. Lead Well.
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