By Whom Are You Most Inspired and Why?

I would say my choice would be Abraham Lincoln. Here is why I pick Lincoln.

He gave his toughest rivals power and autonomy. In fact, he surrounded himself with rivals who excelled in areas where he was not strong. And despite his many failures, his life was an immense success.

Both the movie and the many books on him give great insight into Lincoln’s strong leadership skills –those things that have made him so admired. While you may not be leading revolutionary change in the country, here are ten leadership lessons from our 16th president that illustrate why he is so inspiring.

Led by example and a positive attitude

Work to be, the way you want to be perceived. Don’t try to look good, be good. A good name is more valuable than fine diamonds.

If you look for something to complain about, you can certainly find it. There’s ‘always an opportunity to be offended. Don’t take these opportunities; they don’t lead to anything positive. Learn to see the roses in life; life is filled with roses if you’ll take the time to see them.

Showed his spirit

The spirit that guided him was clearly that described in his Second Inaugural Address, now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.: “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds… ” He always demonstrated his strong spirit.

Picked a strong team

At a time in history when the United States was at war with itself, Lincoln surprisingly chose to fill his cabinet with a team of his rivals. He surrounded himself with his rivals who excelled in areas where he was not strong. He gave credit where it was due and wasn’t afraid to accept the blame. He genuinely sought out and listened to other people’s points of view.

These were men he considered to be the best and brightest minds in the country, and they were unafraid to challenge Lincoln and assert their opposition. A self-confident man, Lincoln welcomed strong opinions as they provoked thoughtful debate as well as inner reflection. It proved to be an important tactic during his presidency.

You have to have others on your team who are not afraid to challenge you or at least feel at ease enough to express their opinions. Learn how to learn from your strongest rivals.

He was decisive

While it’s helpful to get more than one opinion, strong leaders know when and how to make decisions. Cabinet members could have argued forever, but Lincoln had the ability to know when he had all of the information he needed. Walking away to seek solitude, he was able to determine the best solution and make a decision without wavering.

Good leaders clarify their decision criteria, identifying musts and wants, and using that as a guide to compare options. Assess the risk of each option as well as the benefits, to help in making smart tradeoffs between alternatives.

Lincoln knew when to speak and when to remain silent. He knew when to act and when to wait. At the same time, Lincoln wasn’t afraid to lead. When he knew his actions would likely sway more people to his point of view, he got out in front of them and acted. But he only did so when he was sure he wouldn’t lose the people lagging behind.

Always prepared

Before you can succeed, you must prepare. When Lincoln was an unknown attorney in the backwoods of Illinois he was preparing for success, when Lincoln became an Illinois State Senator, he was preparing for success, and even when he lost the election for the U.S. Senate twice, he was preparing for success.

Connected on a personal level

We know Lincoln was fair, but he was also known for his jokes and storytelling. It’s how he broke the ice and blazed a trail to common ground. Lincoln also made himself accessible. As president of the United States, he kept regular office hours, and citizens were allowed to see him.

It’s not how smart you are — strong personal relationships and high levels of trust are the foundation of effective leadership. Good leaders demonstrate empathy, take an interest in others and work to build solid relationships.

Lincoln might best be known for his integrity and willingness to do the right thing even if it was difficult or unpopular.

Didn’t avoid adversity

Lincoln never shied away from controversy. He was once quoted as saying:

No matter how much the cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.

And he was correct. You’ll never please everyone. There will always be critics of what you do. Sticking to your guns and following your heart is what defines who you are and will shape your success in the future.

At the same time, we have to be open to constructive criticism. 

These criticisms will help us shape and fine-tune our ideas into something better.

Lincoln might best be known for his integrity and willingness to do the right thing even if it was difficult or unpopular. He was willing to accept the fallout of his decisions and being accountable. He took responsibility for his administration’s mistakes even when his subordinates were at fault.

At a personal cost to himself, Lincoln chose the high road, sometimes paying for it in initial political strategy, only to find respect from his countrymen increasing over time. A good model for any leader, yes?

Another way to be inspired: A Story about Living as Told by a Six-Year-Old Boy

Don’t fear failure

Lincoln did fail quite a bit. He was quoted as saying:

My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.