Let's forget about Maroon 5's "Move Like Jagger"...let's embrace "Lead like Lincoln!"
On Saturday, wishing to see a few more movies that were up for Academy Awards, I went to see the movie Lincoln -- a truly phenomenal film. I certainly learned a lot about Lincoln, whom I did not know that much about except his Gettysburg address and his enduring legacy with 13th constitutional amendment.
When I was watching this movie I was struck by the leadership qualities which Lincoln demonstrated. It was no wonder he was a much loved President and consistently ranks in the top 3 of all American Presidents. Even if some poetic license was taken by the scriptwriters, there is a lot to be gleaned on what makes not just a good, but great leader from this depiction of Lincoln.
A strong, opinionated team
A clear and consistent vision
Lincoln knew what was necessary for the country and he felt he knew the best way to achieve this vision. He succinctly articulated why the abolish of slavery would be good for the countr,for all the people of America and for all of humanity. He pushed forward regardless of potential defeat and danger to his personal well-being, as well as the unrelenting pressure to abandon his vision for an "easier way out".
Lincoln didn't veer from his conviction. He was consistent. No one, whether his colleagues or the country, were ever in any doubt as to what Lincoln stood for.
Lincoln didn't veer from his conviction. He was consistent. No one, whether his colleagues or the country, were ever in any doubt as to what Lincoln stood for.
A strong, opinionated team
Lincoln's cabinet were not a bunch of yes-men. They argued with him long and hard and loudly against moving forward with the 13th amendment proposition. Other options were provided, the downsides were clearly articulated, all whilst Lincoln sat there and quietly listened. But at the end of the cathartic release from his cabinet, he slapped his hand loudly on the table and then clearly and with passion espoused why this had to be done "Now". His speech to his team indicated that he had heard them, but it was necessary to move forward, not for today, but for tomorrow. His cabinet seemed inspired by his passion and worked toward ensuring that their leader's vision was realized.
Delegated, but got involved when things were going off the rails.
Lincoln's team were still several votes short of obtaining a two-thirds majority to pass the 13th amendment. His advisors identified a few key influencers who they didn't believe could be convinced to vote yes, but if they did, then there was a good chance the amendment would pass. Lincoln went and visited each of these congressmen individually. Which brings me to his next leader's quality.
Don't tell -- convince
Lincoln's approach was not one of "telling" the potential "make or break" congressmen what they should do. His was an approach of indicating he understood their point of view, but hopefully they will consider his and then he laid out the "whys". It was the combination of his personal visit and his sincere empathy that made these individuals change their vote.
Sincerity and the common touch
Lincoln was not an ivory tower leader. He was accessible. He told stories to make a point, but the stories also made him more human to those around him He sincerely liked the people who worked with him, he liked the "common man" and that was evident throughout the film. He thanked people and he emphasized his understanding and empathy with a touch. Whether it was a slight touch on a shoulder or a double-handed handshake, he connected on a human level.
Lincoln was not a perfect human being. He had his struggles, but when you look at his leadership qualities they are something to which we all should aspire . If you think about him sticking to his vision, and ensuring that his team and those around him not only understood how this was the right path for humanity, by connecting, he made others embrace the possibilities and the "rightness" of his vision.
If you think of what Lincoln achieved it reminds of this quote:
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
This is a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., who may never have had an opportunity to inspire the world had it not been for the Lincoln, a truly alchemist leader.
Delegated, but got involved when things were going off the rails.
Lincoln's team were still several votes short of obtaining a two-thirds majority to pass the 13th amendment. His advisors identified a few key influencers who they didn't believe could be convinced to vote yes, but if they did, then there was a good chance the amendment would pass. Lincoln went and visited each of these congressmen individually. Which brings me to his next leader's quality.
Don't tell -- convince
Lincoln's approach was not one of "telling" the potential "make or break" congressmen what they should do. His was an approach of indicating he understood their point of view, but hopefully they will consider his and then he laid out the "whys". It was the combination of his personal visit and his sincere empathy that made these individuals change their vote.
Sincerity and the common touch
Lincoln was not a perfect human being. He had his struggles, but when you look at his leadership qualities they are something to which we all should aspire . If you think about him sticking to his vision, and ensuring that his team and those around him not only understood how this was the right path for humanity, by connecting, he made others embrace the possibilities and the "rightness" of his vision.
If you think of what Lincoln achieved it reminds of this quote:
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
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