Volumes have been written about the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
Often, these have been somewhat superficial efforts with a focus merely on the Honest Abe aspect.
Other discussions focus on either the freeing of the slaves/ Civil War, or his assassination.
Still others emphasized his physical features, or his folksy manner.
However, perhaps the most essential way to appreciate the significance of Lincoln is to touch upon what he showed us about what it means to truly be a leader.
He was never someone satisfied with merely being President, but rather really wanted to make a significant difference.
Perhaps four of the most significant contributions he made in terms of teaching us about leadership included: 1.
Maintain absolute integrity; 2.
Take measured risks, so as to take advantage of opportunities; 3.
Always stand up for what you believe; and 4.
Be yourself, while treating others in a manner like you'd like to be treated.
1.
There was an important reason that Lincoln was called Honest Abe.
It was not merely because of the folk legend, but rather because he emphasized open and honorable communication, both with his friends and allies, as well as with his enemies.
He always let others know where he stood, and why he felt that way.
What a remarkable manner to motivate others to care more, feel stronger about you, and actually listen to what you had to say.
Even when others disagreed (which they often did), he was widely respected for his honesty and integrity.
2.
You can never actually be a leader unless you are willing to take measured risks, by taking well - planned action towards achieving your goal! Without doing so, essential opportunities are often squandered or not even understood or realized.
Lincoln understood the challenges involved with freeing the slaves, but famously observed that if he did not act, then who would? 3.
Both his supporters and opponents would certainly agree that Lincoln was willing to stand up for what he believed and felt to be essential.
He was not one of these populist political leaders who made their decisions based on polling or popularity, but rather did so based on what he felt was most essential or important.
A true leader can never sit back on the fence and wait for others, but must step forth and lead by example! 4.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of his persona was that he realized the truth of the adage that you are who you are! Great leaders must never use rhetoric that contradicts their personal truth! Whether one agrees with what he says or not, it is essential that a leader be himself! Do you really want to be a leader? Are you prepared to follow Lincoln's lead, and act accordingly.
Often, these have been somewhat superficial efforts with a focus merely on the Honest Abe aspect.
Other discussions focus on either the freeing of the slaves/ Civil War, or his assassination.
Still others emphasized his physical features, or his folksy manner.
However, perhaps the most essential way to appreciate the significance of Lincoln is to touch upon what he showed us about what it means to truly be a leader.
He was never someone satisfied with merely being President, but rather really wanted to make a significant difference.
Perhaps four of the most significant contributions he made in terms of teaching us about leadership included: 1.
Maintain absolute integrity; 2.
Take measured risks, so as to take advantage of opportunities; 3.
Always stand up for what you believe; and 4.
Be yourself, while treating others in a manner like you'd like to be treated.
1.
There was an important reason that Lincoln was called Honest Abe.
It was not merely because of the folk legend, but rather because he emphasized open and honorable communication, both with his friends and allies, as well as with his enemies.
He always let others know where he stood, and why he felt that way.
What a remarkable manner to motivate others to care more, feel stronger about you, and actually listen to what you had to say.
Even when others disagreed (which they often did), he was widely respected for his honesty and integrity.
2.
You can never actually be a leader unless you are willing to take measured risks, by taking well - planned action towards achieving your goal! Without doing so, essential opportunities are often squandered or not even understood or realized.
Lincoln understood the challenges involved with freeing the slaves, but famously observed that if he did not act, then who would? 3.
Both his supporters and opponents would certainly agree that Lincoln was willing to stand up for what he believed and felt to be essential.
He was not one of these populist political leaders who made their decisions based on polling or popularity, but rather did so based on what he felt was most essential or important.
A true leader can never sit back on the fence and wait for others, but must step forth and lead by example! 4.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of his persona was that he realized the truth of the adage that you are who you are! Great leaders must never use rhetoric that contradicts their personal truth! Whether one agrees with what he says or not, it is essential that a leader be himself! Do you really want to be a leader? Are you prepared to follow Lincoln's lead, and act accordingly.
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