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Lincoln On Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times
Only ten days before Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office in 1861, the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union, taking Federal agencies, forts, and arsenals within their territory. To make matters worse, Lincoln, who was elected by a plurality of the popular vote, was viewed by his own advisors as nothing more than a gawky, second-rate country lawyer with no leadership experience. What Lincoln did to become our most honored and revered president is history -- but how he can help you to run your organization is not. LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP was the first book to examine the diverse leadership abilities that have made Abraham Lincoln an inspiration to everyone from businessmen to Barack Obama. And in today's complex world, these lessons are more relevant than ever. You'll discover why you * Seize the initiative and never relinquish it * Wage only one war at a time * Encourage risk-taking while providing job security * AVoid issuing orders -- instead request, imply, or make suggestions
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
563 people are currently reading
6877 people want to read
About the author
Donald T. Phillips
43 books30 followersDonald T. Phillips is a nonfiction writer. He has written or coauthored 20 books, including a trilogy on American leadership (Lincoln on Leadership, The Founding Fathers on Leadership, and Martin Luther King Jr. on Leadership).
Phillips has also collaborated on books with several celebrities, including: Norman Brinker, Mike Krzyzewski, Phil Mickelson, Rudy Ruettiger, Greg Norman, Cal Ripken Jr., and Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez.
Phillips has also collaborated on books with several celebrities, including: Norman Brinker, Mike Krzyzewski, Phil Mickelson, Rudy Ruettiger, Greg Norman, Cal Ripken Jr., and Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
December 1, 2011
I really liked this book and getting to know more about Abraham Lincoln's leadership style and example. He was a great leader and I think we could all learn a lot from his strengths:
* Get out and circulate among the troops
* Build strong alliances
* Persuade rather than coerce
* Honesty and integrity are the best policies
* Never act out of vengeance or spite
* Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
* Be a master of paradox
* Exercise a strong hand--be decisive
* Lead by being led
* Set goals and be results-oriented
* Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
* Encourage innovation
* Master the art of public speaking
* Influence people through conversations and storytelling
* Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it
My take-aways:
* Talk to people and really care about them.
* When you're frustrated with someone or something write a letter and never send it.
* Be honest.
* Be compassionate.
* Have a sense of humor.
* Know what your vision is and stick to it.
* Ask for ideas from everyone -- have an open door.
* Be decisive.
* Learn and learn to tell stories.
We could use his vision today: "that sentiment of giving liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have equal chance (p. 163)."
* Get out and circulate among the troops
* Build strong alliances
* Persuade rather than coerce
* Honesty and integrity are the best policies
* Never act out of vengeance or spite
* Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
* Be a master of paradox
* Exercise a strong hand--be decisive
* Lead by being led
* Set goals and be results-oriented
* Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
* Encourage innovation
* Master the art of public speaking
* Influence people through conversations and storytelling
* Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it
My take-aways:
* Talk to people and really care about them.
* When you're frustrated with someone or something write a letter and never send it.
* Be honest.
* Be compassionate.
* Have a sense of humor.
* Know what your vision is and stick to it.
* Ask for ideas from everyone -- have an open door.
* Be decisive.
* Learn and learn to tell stories.
We could use his vision today: "that sentiment of giving liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have equal chance (p. 163)."
September 27, 2016
Well, in my professional opinion, I believe that this was a terrible piece of literature. While reading it, my mind kept wandering. The words and phrases used in this book are very monotonous and make it difficult to concentrate on. I have only one motive for reading this book: I have an assessment to complete for my literacy grade in English class.
April 12, 2008
I read this book for one of my MBA classes. I found it to be very interesting and informative. As far as a leadership book goes I think it is one of the better ones I've read so far, much better than any of the crap put out by Maxwell. I liked how it emphasized a lot of the values that Lincoln portrayed on a daily basis. I think today's corporate senior management could learn a lot from this book.
June 17, 2016
Lincoln is my far not my favorite President, but this little book about his leadership is excellent. It has some reminders for me and also gave me a few new things to think about. I trust the quotes below will me as helpful to you as they were to me.
He (President Lincoln) is, in fact, the only U. S. president to hold a patent (for a method to make grounded boats more buoyant).
Lincoln stood six feet, four inches, our tallest president.
The first Republican president, elected by a minority of the popular vote, he was a Washington outsider.
His cardinal mistake is that he isolates himself, and allows nobody to see him; and about which he does not know what is going on in the very matter he is dealing with. – – Lincoln’s reason for relieving Gen. John C. Fremont from his command in Missouri (September 9, 1861)
During his four years as president Abraham Lincoln spent most of his time among the troops.
Leading is primarily paying attention.
If subordinates, or people in general, know that they genuinely have easy access to their leader, they’ll tend to view the leader in a more positive, trustworthy light.
All leaders must seek and require access to reliable and up-to-date information.
By entering your subordinate’s environment – – by establishing frequent human contact – – you create a sense of commitment, collaboration, and community. You also gain access to vital information necessary to make effective decisions.
Simply spending time together and getting to know one’s subordinates can overcome mountains of personal differences and hard feelings.
If you stay in touch with the people who comprise the foundation, you’re more likely to gain an advantage that helps you to win the war against stiff competition. It’s the people who are closest to the consumer and the product who know how to win. And, almost always, they will want to offer their ideas.
Delegate responsibility and authority by empowering people to act on their own.
On issues that affect your entire organization, conduct full and frequent consultations with the heads of your various departments.
A good leader avoids issuing orders, preferring to request, imply, or make suggestions.
The architecture of leadership, all the theories and guidelines, falls apart without honesty and integrity. It’s the keystone that holds an organization together. Tom Peters reported in his research that the best, most aggressive, and successful organizations were the ones that stressed integrity and trust. “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right thing,” wrote Bennis and Nanus.
Trust, honesty, and integrity are exceedingly important qualities because they so strongly affect followers. Most individuals need to trust others, especially their boss. Subordinates must perceive their leader as a consistently fair person if they’re to engage in the kind of innovative risk-taking that brings a company rewards.
Followers in virtually every organization respond better to you, and will more easily be led by, a leader who consistently displays kindness and empathy than one who is associated with vindictiveness or animosity.
Business associates or subordinates, realize that a leader is not given to spite and pettiness, they will be more willing to openly seek him out. This will, in turn, makes the leader more effective.
Always keep in mind that once a subordinate is destroyed he ceases to contribute to the organization.
It would not hurt you much if, once in a while, you could manage to let things slip, unbeknownst- like.
Remember that truth is generally the best vindication against slander.
Do the very best you know how – – the very best you can – – and keep doing so until the end.
Corporate leaders of the future will have to provide employee security while also encouraging an environment for risk taking. At times it will seem like walking a delicate tightrope. But, in reality, it is nothing more than the simple understanding that each person, and each situation, is different it should be handled uniquely, in some cases with completely opposite styles. In many ways, mastering paradox is nothing more than having good common sense.
The best, most decisive leaders are those who have a set purpose and self-confidence to accomplish that objective.
An entire organization is never wisely sacrificed to avoid losing one or two small parts.
Frequently, getting people together can avoid distracted thinking that tends to build on people’s misgivings and apprehensions about others and their departments.
Always give credit where credit was due and, conversely, to accept responsibility when things went wrong.
If leaders of this - if they praise good work and encourage more of the same - then eventually they will be able to relax and let their subordinates do most of the work. And all the leader will have to do is guide them in the proper direction.
Let disputing parties work out their differences by bringing them together and guiding their dialogue.
Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.
Write letters to your subordinates making the personal acknowledgment that they were right and you were wrong.
When your subordinates come up with good ideas, let them go ahead and try. But monitor their progress.
The greatest credit should be given to those in your organization who rendered the hardest work.
Establishing goals and gaining their acceptance from subordinates is crucial for effective leadership. Goals unify people, motivate them, and focus their talent and energy.
Recent studies in leadership have noted that effective leaders are "reliable and tirelessly persistent" and that they are "the most results oriented people in the world."
Set specific short-term goals that can be focused on with intent and immediacy by subordinates.
Leave nothing for tomorrow, which can be done today.
Choose as your chief subordinates those people who crave responsibility and take risks.
Give your follow worse all the support you can, and act on the presumption that they will do the best they can with what you give them.
Coach and counsel a new executive so that he or she may get off on the right foot. Remember you want him to succeed.
An often overlooked component of leadership is this ability to learn from people and experiences, from successes and failures. The best leaders never stop learning. They possess a special capacity to be taught by those with whom they come into contact. In essence, this ongoing accumulation of knowledge prepares the organization for change.
A leader’s ability to develop innovative ideas and ask for people’s help in implementing them may seem to be obvious keys to success. But the sad fact is that too many of today’s leaders resign themselves to the limits imposed on them by flawed systems rather than rethinking those systems. This seems especially true in America as opposed to Japan, where innovation is a way of life.
Don't lose confidence in your people when they fail.
If you never try, you’ll never succeed.
Remember that the best leaders never stop learning.
Surround your self with people who really know their business and avoid “yes” men.
Remember that there will be times when you should simply not speak. Say to your listeners: “Kindly let me be silent.”
Try not to make mistakes when you speak publicly. Everything you say is intently heard. If you make a mistake it doesn't merely affect you but the organization as well.
Every leader must realize that the power to motivate followers resides almost solely in the ability to communicate effectively. In most business organizations, private conversation is much more important than public speaking.
When you meet with an individual, try not to part with any unpleasant impression on either side.
Speak in simple and familiar strains with people, without any pretension of superiority. Leave people with the feeling that they’ve known you all their lives.
Don't forget that humor is a major component of your ability to persuade people.
Effective visions and organizational mission statement can't be forced upon the masses. Rather, they must be set in motion by means of persuasion.
Moreover, truly accepted visions foster innovation, risk-taking, empowerment, and delegation. If the working troops understand what is expected of them, what the organization is trying to accomplish, then it becomes possible to make important decisions on lower levels, thereby creating a climate in which results in progress continually occur.
All leaders should remind subordinates why their organization was formed in the first place. Lincoln called on the past, related it to the present, and then used them both to provide a link to the future.
Provide a clear, concise statement of the direction of your organization, and justify the actions you take.
Everywhere you go, and every conceivable opportunity, reaffirm, reassert, and remind everyone of the basic principles upon which your organization was founded.
When effecting renewal, call on the past, relate it to the present, and then use them both to provide a link to the future.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a leader!
He (President Lincoln) is, in fact, the only U. S. president to hold a patent (for a method to make grounded boats more buoyant).
Lincoln stood six feet, four inches, our tallest president.
The first Republican president, elected by a minority of the popular vote, he was a Washington outsider.
His cardinal mistake is that he isolates himself, and allows nobody to see him; and about which he does not know what is going on in the very matter he is dealing with. – – Lincoln’s reason for relieving Gen. John C. Fremont from his command in Missouri (September 9, 1861)
During his four years as president Abraham Lincoln spent most of his time among the troops.
Leading is primarily paying attention.
If subordinates, or people in general, know that they genuinely have easy access to their leader, they’ll tend to view the leader in a more positive, trustworthy light.
All leaders must seek and require access to reliable and up-to-date information.
By entering your subordinate’s environment – – by establishing frequent human contact – – you create a sense of commitment, collaboration, and community. You also gain access to vital information necessary to make effective decisions.
Simply spending time together and getting to know one’s subordinates can overcome mountains of personal differences and hard feelings.
If you stay in touch with the people who comprise the foundation, you’re more likely to gain an advantage that helps you to win the war against stiff competition. It’s the people who are closest to the consumer and the product who know how to win. And, almost always, they will want to offer their ideas.
Delegate responsibility and authority by empowering people to act on their own.
On issues that affect your entire organization, conduct full and frequent consultations with the heads of your various departments.
A good leader avoids issuing orders, preferring to request, imply, or make suggestions.
The architecture of leadership, all the theories and guidelines, falls apart without honesty and integrity. It’s the keystone that holds an organization together. Tom Peters reported in his research that the best, most aggressive, and successful organizations were the ones that stressed integrity and trust. “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right thing,” wrote Bennis and Nanus.
Trust, honesty, and integrity are exceedingly important qualities because they so strongly affect followers. Most individuals need to trust others, especially their boss. Subordinates must perceive their leader as a consistently fair person if they’re to engage in the kind of innovative risk-taking that brings a company rewards.
Followers in virtually every organization respond better to you, and will more easily be led by, a leader who consistently displays kindness and empathy than one who is associated with vindictiveness or animosity.
Business associates or subordinates, realize that a leader is not given to spite and pettiness, they will be more willing to openly seek him out. This will, in turn, makes the leader more effective.
Always keep in mind that once a subordinate is destroyed he ceases to contribute to the organization.
It would not hurt you much if, once in a while, you could manage to let things slip, unbeknownst- like.
Remember that truth is generally the best vindication against slander.
Do the very best you know how – – the very best you can – – and keep doing so until the end.
Corporate leaders of the future will have to provide employee security while also encouraging an environment for risk taking. At times it will seem like walking a delicate tightrope. But, in reality, it is nothing more than the simple understanding that each person, and each situation, is different it should be handled uniquely, in some cases with completely opposite styles. In many ways, mastering paradox is nothing more than having good common sense.
The best, most decisive leaders are those who have a set purpose and self-confidence to accomplish that objective.
An entire organization is never wisely sacrificed to avoid losing one or two small parts.
Frequently, getting people together can avoid distracted thinking that tends to build on people’s misgivings and apprehensions about others and their departments.
Always give credit where credit was due and, conversely, to accept responsibility when things went wrong.
If leaders of this - if they praise good work and encourage more of the same - then eventually they will be able to relax and let their subordinates do most of the work. And all the leader will have to do is guide them in the proper direction.
Let disputing parties work out their differences by bringing them together and guiding their dialogue.
Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.
Write letters to your subordinates making the personal acknowledgment that they were right and you were wrong.
When your subordinates come up with good ideas, let them go ahead and try. But monitor their progress.
The greatest credit should be given to those in your organization who rendered the hardest work.
Establishing goals and gaining their acceptance from subordinates is crucial for effective leadership. Goals unify people, motivate them, and focus their talent and energy.
Recent studies in leadership have noted that effective leaders are "reliable and tirelessly persistent" and that they are "the most results oriented people in the world."
Set specific short-term goals that can be focused on with intent and immediacy by subordinates.
Leave nothing for tomorrow, which can be done today.
Choose as your chief subordinates those people who crave responsibility and take risks.
Give your follow worse all the support you can, and act on the presumption that they will do the best they can with what you give them.
Coach and counsel a new executive so that he or she may get off on the right foot. Remember you want him to succeed.
An often overlooked component of leadership is this ability to learn from people and experiences, from successes and failures. The best leaders never stop learning. They possess a special capacity to be taught by those with whom they come into contact. In essence, this ongoing accumulation of knowledge prepares the organization for change.
A leader’s ability to develop innovative ideas and ask for people’s help in implementing them may seem to be obvious keys to success. But the sad fact is that too many of today’s leaders resign themselves to the limits imposed on them by flawed systems rather than rethinking those systems. This seems especially true in America as opposed to Japan, where innovation is a way of life.
Don't lose confidence in your people when they fail.
If you never try, you’ll never succeed.
Remember that the best leaders never stop learning.
Surround your self with people who really know their business and avoid “yes” men.
Remember that there will be times when you should simply not speak. Say to your listeners: “Kindly let me be silent.”
Try not to make mistakes when you speak publicly. Everything you say is intently heard. If you make a mistake it doesn't merely affect you but the organization as well.
Every leader must realize that the power to motivate followers resides almost solely in the ability to communicate effectively. In most business organizations, private conversation is much more important than public speaking.
When you meet with an individual, try not to part with any unpleasant impression on either side.
Speak in simple and familiar strains with people, without any pretension of superiority. Leave people with the feeling that they’ve known you all their lives.
Don't forget that humor is a major component of your ability to persuade people.
Effective visions and organizational mission statement can't be forced upon the masses. Rather, they must be set in motion by means of persuasion.
Moreover, truly accepted visions foster innovation, risk-taking, empowerment, and delegation. If the working troops understand what is expected of them, what the organization is trying to accomplish, then it becomes possible to make important decisions on lower levels, thereby creating a climate in which results in progress continually occur.
All leaders should remind subordinates why their organization was formed in the first place. Lincoln called on the past, related it to the present, and then used them both to provide a link to the future.
Provide a clear, concise statement of the direction of your organization, and justify the actions you take.
Everywhere you go, and every conceivable opportunity, reaffirm, reassert, and remind everyone of the basic principles upon which your organization was founded.
When effecting renewal, call on the past, relate it to the present, and then use them both to provide a link to the future.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a leader!
September 27, 2016
If I could rate it zero stars, I would. It was horrible and put me to sleep. I believe that it shouldn't have been written. I admire Phillips for trying to write an original book, but it is a terrible topic that is very dull.
March 7, 2021
This book was recommended to me by my Police Chief. I quickly learned that many of the leadership principles he has exhibited over the years are expressed in LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP. This is a quick read, which makes it much easier to absorb the principles. What I valued most is the explanation on Lincoln's philosophy on personal communication and the section on finding that person or people to be your Grant (people who will accomplish the mission & works toward the vision). LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP is a great read for all!
April 29, 2023
4.5 Stars
So many amazing principles learned. The book is separated into 15 principles, and each chapter had something relevant to learn. I wasn’t expecting to relate to Lincoln as much as I did. I always think of him as a stern leader and enjoyed learning so much about his humorous side but also his leadership style.
So many amazing principles learned. The book is separated into 15 principles, and each chapter had something relevant to learn. I wasn’t expecting to relate to Lincoln as much as I did. I always think of him as a stern leader and enjoyed learning so much about his humorous side but also his leadership style.
February 3, 2015
Quiz question, who is the most written about person in human history? Jesus. Who is number two? Lincoln. I picked up Lincoln on Leadership just because. I’m supposed to be reading about psychology exclusively, but I couldn’t resist.
I’m glad I picked up this book. It’s written in a kind of Win Friends and Influence People old school, journalist who admits he clearly admires someone kind of tone, but there is a lot to learn from the book. Essentially Lincoln was a person of remarkable character who conducted himself in an admirable fashion during very difficult times. He saw the best in others, and was determined on getting to a place, and made sure he got there while employing the help of others to get there. It’s a story of how to be a leader without alienating others, about motivating from a place of trust instead of sheer authority.
Call it old school, but the culture of character says you should be a kind of person. The culture of personality says you should act a certain way, in certain circumstances, and it’ll benefit you in the long run. I side with character. In the long run, I think it leads to a better life.
There is a whole lot to learn from Lincoln, and the more I learn about him the more I stand in admiration of the kind of person he was. They don’t make them like they used to.
Quotes
Often Nicolay or Hay would tell a visitor that the president was busy and they should come back later, whereupon Lincoln would open his office door and welcome the visitor anyway. 16
For Lincoln, casual contact with his subordinates was as important as formal gatherings, if not more so…He preferred, whenever possible, to interact with people when they were in a more relaxed, less pressure packed environment. 16
Spending time together and getting to know one’s subordinates can overcome mountains of personal differences and hard feelings. 31
Leadership, by definition, omits the use of coercive power. 38
If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. 39
The architecture of leadership, all the theories and guidelines, falls apart without honesty and integrity. It’s the keystone that holds an organization together…Divorced from ethics, leadership is reduced to management and politics to mere technique. 52
Lincoln understood that to actively engage in slander and malicious dealings would simply eat up far too much of his time, which he used in securing positive end results rather than negative ones. Pettiness, spite, and vengeance are emotional reactions considered to be beneath the dignity of a leader. 58
“It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do no wrong.” –Lincoln
“No man resolved to make the most of himself, can spare time for personal contention.” –Lincoln
I’m glad I picked up this book. It’s written in a kind of Win Friends and Influence People old school, journalist who admits he clearly admires someone kind of tone, but there is a lot to learn from the book. Essentially Lincoln was a person of remarkable character who conducted himself in an admirable fashion during very difficult times. He saw the best in others, and was determined on getting to a place, and made sure he got there while employing the help of others to get there. It’s a story of how to be a leader without alienating others, about motivating from a place of trust instead of sheer authority.
Call it old school, but the culture of character says you should be a kind of person. The culture of personality says you should act a certain way, in certain circumstances, and it’ll benefit you in the long run. I side with character. In the long run, I think it leads to a better life.
There is a whole lot to learn from Lincoln, and the more I learn about him the more I stand in admiration of the kind of person he was. They don’t make them like they used to.
Quotes
Often Nicolay or Hay would tell a visitor that the president was busy and they should come back later, whereupon Lincoln would open his office door and welcome the visitor anyway. 16
For Lincoln, casual contact with his subordinates was as important as formal gatherings, if not more so…He preferred, whenever possible, to interact with people when they were in a more relaxed, less pressure packed environment. 16
Spending time together and getting to know one’s subordinates can overcome mountains of personal differences and hard feelings. 31
Leadership, by definition, omits the use of coercive power. 38
If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. 39
The architecture of leadership, all the theories and guidelines, falls apart without honesty and integrity. It’s the keystone that holds an organization together…Divorced from ethics, leadership is reduced to management and politics to mere technique. 52
Lincoln understood that to actively engage in slander and malicious dealings would simply eat up far too much of his time, which he used in securing positive end results rather than negative ones. Pettiness, spite, and vengeance are emotional reactions considered to be beneath the dignity of a leader. 58
“It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do no wrong.” –Lincoln
“No man resolved to make the most of himself, can spare time for personal contention.” –Lincoln
September 27, 2016
Worst book I've ever read. Wish I could give it 0 stars. Couldn't even finish it was the worst!
February 27, 2008
So, it's possible that I didn't like this book as much as I should of because I just finished Goodwin's fantastic book on Lincoln, Team of Rivals. Reading Goodwin's book, I was struck by Lincoln's leadership skill. Somehow though, this book just didn’t really impress me much.
Hopefully my thoughts on this book aren't biased by the fact that the author compared Lincoln to "great modern leaders" (his words, not mine) like Reagan and George W. Bush. All right, arguments can be made, like his policies or not, for Reagan being a great leader, but Bush???? Is this assumed acumen for leadership based on his claims of being a "compassionate conservative" or that he is "a uniter, not a divider"? It certainly can't be made by his actual performance as a leader. I know that all great leaders have people who are critical of them, but with approval ratings hovering around 30%, who exactly is Bush leading? Whatever it is he is doing, he is doing alone but for his loyal group of cronies and a few people that the Republican Party has managed to convince that they (the conservatives) actually care about them. (Well, they do care about you if you make a million bucks a year and you like to do some strip mining in your spare time.) If it weren’t for people that cling to Bush because of their hope that he will protect them from abortion and all of the benefits of stem-cell research (oh, and that he will keep them safe from the gays), then Bush would have virtually no support except from big dirty companies that will support anyone who has a small enough amount of conscience to allow them to continue to rape and pillage America’s two greatest resources, it’s people and it’s land. Is that leadership? Anyway, hopefully my feelings about the book weren’t biased by the ridiculous comparison of one of the men I admire most with one of the men that I admire the least.
Hopefully my thoughts on this book aren't biased by the fact that the author compared Lincoln to "great modern leaders" (his words, not mine) like Reagan and George W. Bush. All right, arguments can be made, like his policies or not, for Reagan being a great leader, but Bush???? Is this assumed acumen for leadership based on his claims of being a "compassionate conservative" or that he is "a uniter, not a divider"? It certainly can't be made by his actual performance as a leader. I know that all great leaders have people who are critical of them, but with approval ratings hovering around 30%, who exactly is Bush leading? Whatever it is he is doing, he is doing alone but for his loyal group of cronies and a few people that the Republican Party has managed to convince that they (the conservatives) actually care about them. (Well, they do care about you if you make a million bucks a year and you like to do some strip mining in your spare time.) If it weren’t for people that cling to Bush because of their hope that he will protect them from abortion and all of the benefits of stem-cell research (oh, and that he will keep them safe from the gays), then Bush would have virtually no support except from big dirty companies that will support anyone who has a small enough amount of conscience to allow them to continue to rape and pillage America’s two greatest resources, it’s people and it’s land. Is that leadership? Anyway, hopefully my feelings about the book weren’t biased by the ridiculous comparison of one of the men I admire most with one of the men that I admire the least.
April 22, 2022
I read this in tandem with some of the students that I get to work alongside at Lipscomb, and it was an interesting reminder as they are also the students I led as a student leader in the midst of the pandemic. The subtitle “Executive Strategies for Tough Times” felt like a call back to the chaos and extreme molding that I experienced during that time as a leader.
I am not a history buff, so historical reading is not my forte or cup of tea, but I was surprised by how easy it was for me to engage with the text. The simple fact that the content felt timely and applicable despite it being from the pages of history was one of the reasons for that ease. Lincoln seems to loom in my mind's eye as a myth of ginormous size like his massive monument in Washington DC, but this work reminded me that he was a man who lived, breathed, failed, tried, and grew over time in his leadership. I appreciated that the work referenced instances of Lincoln’s development as an individual throughout his presidency and roles prior to his time in office.
Definitely not a read I would pick up to read for fun, but one that I did enjoy and will return to when considering future career movements, especially when considering some tactics to improve/hone my leadership in different teams!
I am not a history buff, so historical reading is not my forte or cup of tea, but I was surprised by how easy it was for me to engage with the text. The simple fact that the content felt timely and applicable despite it being from the pages of history was one of the reasons for that ease. Lincoln seems to loom in my mind's eye as a myth of ginormous size like his massive monument in Washington DC, but this work reminded me that he was a man who lived, breathed, failed, tried, and grew over time in his leadership. I appreciated that the work referenced instances of Lincoln’s development as an individual throughout his presidency and roles prior to his time in office.
Definitely not a read I would pick up to read for fun, but one that I did enjoy and will return to when considering future career movements, especially when considering some tactics to improve/hone my leadership in different teams!
August 4, 2016
I started reading this book because it is the basis for a talk that I am attending. I was not looking forward to reading it!!
If I had not read it, I would have missed out on a great book!! The book has struck me in two ways - 1. great leadership tips in an easy to read format and 2. I learned sooo much about Lincoln and greatly admire him much more now.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to think about their leadership skills!!
If I had not read it, I would have missed out on a great book!! The book has struck me in two ways - 1. great leadership tips in an easy to read format and 2. I learned sooo much about Lincoln and greatly admire him much more now.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to think about their leadership skills!!
April 21, 2019
One of the best books I have read. The simplest methods of Lincoln’s leadership styles are clearly revealed. President Lincoln’s words at his second inauguration address would be better served as a navigation device for today’s separation in government and politics in general. These precious words: “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war (racial divide) may speedily ass awRfd
October 16, 2018
I honestly did not thinkI would like this book, just the fact after I read the first 50 pages I wasn’t exactly “feeling it” or whatever that gesture is supposed to mean.
I read this for my JROTC military class as it was required, I have not once regretted it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to make a change in the way they lead by looking back on perhaps (in my opioion) the greatest president of all time.
I read this for my JROTC military class as it was required, I have not once regretted it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to make a change in the way they lead by looking back on perhaps (in my opioion) the greatest president of all time.
June 24, 2013
If you are looking for pithy aphorisms and management principles from Lincoln's life without needing to delve into the historical context than this is the quick easy read for you. If you are looking for a true study of the character and moral strength of Lincoln, especially in contrast with his contemporaries, I recommend Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals.
July 1, 2024
All around great book, learned a lot about Lincoln. Perfect length, not too wordy and not too brief. Good use of stories and quotes from him and his friends.
October 22, 2024
Not my kind of book tbh
August 30, 2019
Lent to me by a friend, I was at first expecting a small book with general menial principles with some proof texting to support. What I gleaned from this text was a monumental work on leadership by the author, codifying how to emulate Lincoln through the difficulties of his tenure as president of America during the Civil War. This book could easily become a class of lectures and open discussions. The text should be studied and embodied by any and all in a leadership role. Lincoln lives out the timeless truths of leadership and Donald T. Phillips captures them well, with helpful quick reference principles at the end of each chapter. Add to your library and reference often, especially if you are leading people.
December 28, 2020
I found this book very engaging but I’m also captivated by history and the Civil War. The leadership ideas Lincoln embodied were relatable and essential. I have witnessed them to a degree in all the inspiring leaders I’ve encountered in my own life. Decisiveness, suggestion or inspiration and not dictation, passing praise and owning failure, giving a grace period and allowing for failure with subordinates, humility and practicality over etiquette and dignity, always learning, building positive relationships with subordinates at all levels, inspection and oversight where the battle/production/action is, leaders don’t have bad days publicly, understanding of the paradox of consistent adaptation (consistency in execution but open to new ideas).
May 27, 2019
This book is an excellent tribute to President Lincoln, as well as thorough guide to being a strong leader. I especially liked how well organized it is and the bulleted list of principles discussed at the end of each chapter. I am even more impressed with this great man. I am not particularly focused on becoming a leader, but this book had inspired me. I began this book solely on the basis of being about Abraham Lincoln. I find him fascinating and motivating. I would recommend this book to those either eager to study the USA's 16th President or who desire to be a better leader.
April 29, 2022
A friend of mine bought this for my birthday. It is one of her all time faves. As someone who reads a lot this was a good book. I enjoyed the stories and learning about Lincoln more than I enjoyed the lessons per se. One can definitely over index on leadership books and the way you should lead. Its good for folks who want or need checklist on how to be a good leader. Its a good reminder for those in leadership roles. I commend the author for the amount of research that went into this book. The quality of the work shows.
December 6, 2020
This was what I like to call my “Nightstand Book” for the past 4 months or so. It was the book that I would read occasionally when I found myself in bed, but not quite sleepy enough yet. I chipped away at it, but I always enjoyed coming back to it!!
This is a leadership book, so it has your typical principle format—each chapter is a different quality or characteristic that Lincoln possessed, and that also displayed outstanding leadership. The book is laced with Lincoln anecdotes, letters, speeches, etc. I’m a huge fan of Lincoln, and this book even taught me a few new things about him.
This is a fun book to read once and awhile, but I probably wouldn’t read page after page in a single sitting. I have learned so much from Lincoln, and I hope that all of this learning of him will rub off and help me adopt some of his incredible attributes one day.
This is a leadership book, so it has your typical principle format—each chapter is a different quality or characteristic that Lincoln possessed, and that also displayed outstanding leadership. The book is laced with Lincoln anecdotes, letters, speeches, etc. I’m a huge fan of Lincoln, and this book even taught me a few new things about him.
This is a fun book to read once and awhile, but I probably wouldn’t read page after page in a single sitting. I have learned so much from Lincoln, and I hope that all of this learning of him will rub off and help me adopt some of his incredible attributes one day.
September 26, 2024
Few leaders have responded to challenges of leadership with such fortitude and grace, and ultimately success as Lincoln. This book gives the reader insights into Lincoln as President and wartime commander in chief. The learnings are relevant beyond government to business. We are judged by how we confront crises and looming failures. Lincoln’s example is highly instructive. A useful read.
November 9, 2017
Read for school. Really enjoyed. Much to learn here. :)
June 22, 2020
Excellent reminders of the genius of Lincoln, and the boost that following his example can be.
May 6, 2021
A great "entry-level" executive leadership book. This isn't necessarily a must-read for those who actively read books on leadership, however this is a great starting point for new leaders or those that like historical context of those concepts.
March 2, 2025
A leadership book that is actually interesting...
June 21, 2025
Enjoyable
July 15, 2025
This book adds just enough historical context to emphasize its points, without bogging them down. It is a good read for both the historian and the new leader; and especially for someone who is both.
October 10, 2020
This book was required reading for a class and while leadership books aren't generally my thing, Abraham Lincoln certainly is. This book offers good insight into what made Lincoln such an effective leader and tips on how to emulate his style should you find yourself in a position of leadership.
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