Abraham Lincoln: a Great Leader
Abraham Lincoln was a man of humble beginnings who, though self-taught, rose to greatness through the many leadership qualities that he possessed. Quality traits that Lincoln possessed were honesty, integrity and a great devotion towards the rights of the people. It was probably through his impoverished upbringing that he formed such a bond with common folks. Lincoln was able to show the country that an ordinary person, with strong character and integrity, was capable of inspiring others to greatness. His ability to communicate through dynamic speeches was inspirational to a country so badly in need of someone to return the country to the unity that it had once had. His commitment to the rights of individuals was a cornerstone of his leadership style (Phillips, 1992).
There have been many great leaders throughout the history of this great nation, but Abraham Lincoln is consistently mentioned as one of our greatest leaders. Although Lincoln possessed many characteristics of a great leader, probably his greatest leadership trait was his ability to communicate. Though Lincoln only had one year of formal education, he was able to master language and use his words to influence the people as a great public speaker, debater and as a humorist. It is said that Lincoln possessed a very “penetrating and far-reaching” voice capable of being heard from great distance. At the Gettysburg Address, everyone was able to hear the entire speech even though there were more than 15,000 people there. His stature, at six feet, four inches, also made him a person to be looked up to and followed (Phillips, 1992). Another part of Lincoln’s skills as a great communicator, was that he had a great capacity for learning to listen to different points of view. While president, he created a work environment where his cabinet members were able to disagree with his decisions without the threat of retaliation for doing so. He had a great ability to listen to the opinions of various individuals,
There have been many great leaders throughout the history of this great nation, but Abraham Lincoln is consistently mentioned as one of our greatest leaders. Although Lincoln possessed many characteristics of a great leader, probably his greatest leadership trait was his ability to communicate. Though Lincoln only had one year of formal education, he was able to master language and use his words to influence the people as a great public speaker, debater and as a humorist. It is said that Lincoln possessed a very “penetrating and far-reaching” voice capable of being heard from great distance. At the Gettysburg Address, everyone was able to hear the entire speech even though there were more than 15,000 people there. His stature, at six feet, four inches, also made him a person to be looked up to and followed (Phillips, 1992). Another part of Lincoln’s skills as a great communicator, was that he had a great capacity for learning to listen to different points of view. While president, he created a work environment where his cabinet members were able to disagree with his decisions without the threat of retaliation for doing so. He had a great ability to listen to the opinions of various individuals,
References: Moreton,Catherine. (2008). 10 Qualities that Made Abraham Lincoln a Great Leader. Retrieved August 27, 2012 from http://hr.blr.com/whitepapers/Staffing-Training/Leadership/10-Qualities-that-Made-Abraham-Lincoln-a-Great-Lea/ Phillips, D.T. (1992). LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP. Illinois, U.S.A. DTP/Companions Books Wadhwa, Hitendra. (2012). How Lincoln became a great leader. Retrieve August27, 2012 from http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/lincoln-became-great-leader-193000411.html