Abraham Lincoln set a very high bar as a leader!
Leadership is often a crucible in which individuals are tested, molded, and ultimately defined by how they confront challenges. For Lincoln, his leadership was forged in the fire of the Civil War, a conflict that not only threatened the Union but also tested his mettle as a leader. Lincoln’s leadership style offers enduring lessons for modern leaders, particularly small business owners who must navigate their own trials with vision, empathy, and resilience.
At the core of Lincoln’s leadership was his unwavering commitment to integrity. His personal integrity was a powerful tool that shaped his decisions, even when they were unpopular. As historian Donald T. Phillips noted in Lincoln on Leadership, “Lincoln’s integrity was the bedrock of his leadership.” He earned the nickname “Honest Abe” because of his insistence on transparency and honesty in his dealings, qualities that garnered the loyalty and trust of those around him. His ethical example was far-reaching and inspiring. The famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy famously wrote, “Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country—bigger than all the Presidents together.”
Lincoln’s empathy was equally important. He connected with people on a deeply personal level, showing genuine concern for their struggles. This empathy was evident in his leadership of the Union army. General Ulysses S. Grant remarked on Lincoln’s capacity for understanding the needs of others: “The great thing about Lincoln was his humanity.” Lincoln could relate to the soldiers, the common folk, and even his political adversaries, which allowed him to build bridges across divides.
In business, integrity and empathy are foundational pillars for leadership. As a leader, showing compassion and maintaining a high level of ethical conduct fosters a sense of trust and loyalty, which are crucial for building strong teams and sustaining long-term success. These qualities not only build a positive workplace culture but also ensure that a leader can navigate difficult decisions with the support of their team.
Emotional Discipline: The Key to Consistent Leadership
Lincoln’s ability to manage his emotions in the face of adversity was central to his leadership success. His famous unsent letter to General George Meade, expressing frustration over Meade’s failure to pursue Lee after Gettysburg, is a prime example. Instead of reacting in anger, Lincoln chose to fold the letter and never send it. This showed his immense emotional discipline—an essential trait in leadership. Lincoln understood that impulsive reactions often lead to negative consequences, a lesson modern leaders can take to heart.
William H. Seward, Lincoln’s Secretary of State, also observed his extraordinary self-control, saying, “The President is the best of us all. I think he is the greatest man I ever knew.” Seward marveled at how Lincoln, even under extreme pressure, managed to keep his focus on the bigger picture, making decisions based on reason rather than emotion.
Emotional discipline is crucial in business as well. Leaders are constantly faced with challenges, whether it’s managing a crisis or navigating a difficult decision. Those who can keep their emotions in check and approach situations with a calm, thoughtful mindset are more likely to make sound decisions. Furthermore, this calm demeanor reassures teams and prevents panic, enabling the organization to move forward steadily.
Leading with Visibility and Accessibility
One of Lincoln’s most admired traits was his accessibility. He was known for his open-door policy and spent significant time meeting with people, listening to their concerns, and gathering insights directly from those he led. Historian Ronald C. White described how Lincoln would spend 75% of his time meeting with people informally, which made him one of the most accessible presidents in U.S. history. This approach helped Lincoln stay connected with the soldiers, the public, and his cabinet, which allowed him to make informed decisions based on firsthand information.
General George McClellan, though not one of Lincoln’s greatest allies, acknowledged Lincoln’s willingness to listen, even if he didn’t always agree: “I never felt more than I do now, the need of his unassuming wisdom, his patriotism, his firmness.” Lincoln’s accessibility wasn’t just about being physically present but also about making others feel heard and valued, a critical aspect of effective leadership.
Business leaders can benefit greatly from Lincoln’s approach. Being visible and accessible to employees fosters trust and collaboration. It allows leaders to maintain a pulse on the organization and make decisions based on real-time feedback. By creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns, leaders can gain valuable insights that drive innovation and improve overall team performance.
The Power of Persistence and Resilience
Lincoln’s persistence in the face of adversity is one of the hallmarks of his leadership. Despite numerous failures—both personal and political—he never gave up. His resilience was perhaps most evident during the Civil War, when the Union’s success seemed far from certain. General William Tecumseh Sherman once remarked, “Grant stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk; and now we stand by each other always. Lincoln stood by both of us when we needed it most.”
Lincoln’s resilience wasn’t just about continuing despite failure; it was about learning from each setback and adapting his strategy accordingly. His ability to learn from failures and keep pushing forward set an example for his generals and cabinet members alike. General George C. Strong commented on Lincoln’s perseverance, saying, “In all the turmoil of war, Lincoln never lost sight of his purpose. His persistence, in the face of defeat and opposition, is a model for any leader.”
In the business world, resilience is an essential trait for leaders. Setbacks are inevitable, whether it’s a failed project or an unexpected market shift. Leaders who persist, learn from their mistakes, and adapt are the ones who ultimately succeed. Resilience not only helps leaders navigate tough times but also inspires their teams to keep pushing forward in the face of challenges.
Communication: The Bridge to Leadership Success
Lincoln’s communication skills were central to his effectiveness as a leader. His speeches, most notably the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, are timeless examples of how a leader can use words to inspire, motivate, and bring about change. Edwin Stanton, who initially doubted Lincoln’s leadership capabilities and savvy, later became one of his staunchest supporters. He described Lincoln’s speeches as “He spoke to the people as if he were speaking to their souls, not just their ears. His words could heal a divided nation as much as his policies could.”
General Carl Schurz also admired Lincoln’s mastery of communication, stating, “He was as clear as sunlight, explaining complex ideas in simple terms that even the commonest man could understand. Lincoln’s words brought people together, bridging divides with simple truth and moral clarity.”” Lincoln’s ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonated with people from all walks of life was key to unifying the nation during its darkest hour.
In business, communication is equally critical. Clear, honest, and consistent messaging helps align teams with the organization’s goals and fosters a culture of transparency. Leaders who can effectively communicate their vision while also being open to feedback create a sense of shared purpose that drives success.
Empowering Others: A Key to Collective Success
Lincoln’s capacity to empower others was a defining characteristic of his leadership. He didn’t micromanage but trusted his generals and cabinet members to execute their responsibilities. This approach not only built confidence within his team but also allowed Lincoln to focus on the bigger picture. General Henry Halleck noted, “Lincoln’s greatest strength as a leader was his ability to let others lead. He gave us the freedom to execute and stood by us when things went wrong.”
Even in moments of doubt, Lincoln was known to stand by his subordinates, giving them the room to grow into their roles. Edwin Stanton, who had clashed with Lincoln early on, later praised him for his empowering leadership: “No man was ever stronger or more tender.”
Modern leaders can take a page from Lincoln’s playbook by empowering their teams. By trusting employees to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions, leaders can foster a culture of accountability and innovation. Empowering others not only strengthens the organization but also allows leaders to focus on strategic goals rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations.
The Balance Between Strategy and Adaptability
Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War required a delicate balance between maintaining a clear strategy and adapting to changing circumstances. His decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, despite initial resistance from many quarters, demonstrated his ability to adapt his strategy to the evolving needs of the war. Edwin Stanton called the Proclamation “the act that will define our generation,” recognizing the boldness of Lincoln’s move.
General Sherman also highlighted Lincoln’s strategic flexibility, saying, “He was far from the conventional war leader. His strength lay in his willingness to adapt, to rethink the strategy, while staying true to the core goal—preserving the Union.”
In business, this balance between strategy and adaptability is key. Leaders must have a clear vision for their organization but should be flexible enough to pivot when circumstances change. Whether it’s a shift in market conditions or a new competitor, the ability to adapt while staying focused on long-term goals is crucial for success.
Conclusion: Leadership is a Journey
Abraham Lincoln’s leadership was characterized by integrity, resilience, emotional discipline, and the ability to empower others. His ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and persist in the face of adversity made him one of history’s most effective leaders. As Lincoln himself said, “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.”
For small business owners, the lessons from Lincoln’s leadership are clear. Integrity and empathy build trust, emotional discipline ensures thoughtful decision-making, and persistence leads to success. By empowering teams, maintaining clear communication, and being adaptable in the face of challenges, modern leaders can navigate their own crucibles and emerge stronger, just as Lincoln did during the most difficult period in American history.
Let Lincoln’s journey inspire your leadership as you guide your business through its own unique challenges, knowing that with the right principles, the path forward will always be clear. I’ll end with a quote from Walt Whitman about Lincoln: “He leaves for America’s history and biography, so far, not only its most dramatic reminiscence — he leaves, in my opinion, the greatest, best, most characteristic, artistic, moral personality.”