Overview & Leadership Qualities of Abraham Lincoln
Our nation’s sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln was a dynamic and ambitious leader, professionally and personally. Lincoln was a Kentucky boy born February 12, 1809 who served as the president of the United States from 1861 to 1865. He had a lifelong passion for learning and a keen sense of practical equity. The republican studied to become a lawyer that lost an election to become senator. That failure ultimately led to his presidential nomination as a result of senatorial campaign. In 1864, Lincoln was reelected as president, but was unable to fully serve his second term because he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in connection to opposition of abolition facilitated by Lincoln.
Lincoln is best known for presidency, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, his leadership during the Civil War, and his untimely assassignation. As a Southerner, Lincoln was not swayed by majority opinion and practice. He strived to gain knowledge and apply it toward acquiring and maintaining freedom and liberty for all. Lincoln truly was a genius that used his intelligence to improve the greater good for all mankind. Although it can be argued that he was not the best administrator, Lincoln was certainly was an effective leader that cultivated and sustained an enormous following. Lincoln exhibited dedication, sound judgment and appeal to the public while diligently working toward resolution. He was a master of rhetoric and a superfluous speaker that was able to accommodate any exigency, regardless of audience disparity, while instilling hope in his listeners.
Moreover, Lincoln was a passionate worker who operated on the basis on knowledge, fairness, and reason in an effective way to achieve success. He carefully, yet decisively, considered all factors while leading to reach the best solution. Lincoln bravely paired taking huge risks with intelligence, consideration, strategy, and support while leading. He bravely confronted and defeated opposition and continually persevered in pursuit of a peaceful, free, and successful union. Lincoln is an extraordinary leader because he effectively fought for what he believed in and used consideration, verbal appeal, and sound reasoning to persuade and make positive change. He was a true leader by fearlessly bringing about change for a longstanding issue he truly believed changing in amidst extreme opposition.
Gini, A. (2009). Lincoln and Leadership. Illinois Library Association Reporter, 27, 18-19.
Schneider, T. E. (2007). Lincoln and Leadership. Perspectives on Political Science, 36, 69-72.
Vickrey, B. R. (2000). Lessons in Leadership from Lincoln the Lawyer. South Dakota Law
Review, 45, 334-344.
It is clear that Lincoln was a great leader; however it was interesting for me to realize the amount of failures and hardships he overcame in order to reach his goals. You also explained in detail the character of Lincoln and how he was not swayed from his core beliefs. I believe this is an important characteristic in an effective leader.
ReplyDeleteIn addition Lincoln was a man of rhetoric. His ability to captivate a crowd and persuade them to agree with his ideals made him an effective leader. Along with his drive for success he also took sound risks which all together foster a powerful leader. It is evident from your post why Lincoln is regarded as one of our finest Presidents. Well done.