Research Paper on Book Title "Lincoln on Leadership"
“Lincoln on Leadership”
By Donald T. Phillips
Research Paper
Based on the Above Book
Abraham Lincoln is known to almost everyone. It is recognized that he led the country through one of the hardest times in its history. What many of us do not know or understand are the methods he employed in order to lead us through the Civil War. Phillips became interested in Lincoln’s leadership methods and abilities because he found that these same ideas were still being taught today. He wrote this book because he was unable to find other books detailing Lincoln’s leadership. Because Lincoln’s methods are still applicable in today’s leadership environment, Phillips realized that much could be learned by examining Lincoln’s actions while serving as president. According to Phillips “the foundation of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style was an unshakable commitment to the rights of the individual” (1992, p. 3). We will learn from Philips how Lincoln’s methods helped him to become a great leader. Lincoln led through his dealings with people by being available. He knew that if a leader never left their office they would miss out on the real action. A leader needed to be available to those relying upon him. Lincoln needed and wanted the most up-to-date information he could have in order to make decisive and speedy decisions. The best way for him to do this was to be around the people who were getting the job done. Also, for Lincoln it was important for people to know they were appreciated for the work they were doing for the country. By keeping in touch with the people he was tapping a wealth of information he might not receive otherwise. He did not wait for the information to be brought to him, he went to where the information was, and he even waited at the telegraph office for messages so he could reply quickly. This philosophy was important because in order to win the war Lincoln knew he needed to have a good idea of the workings of the troops and to
By Donald T. Phillips
Research Paper
Based on the Above Book
Abraham Lincoln is known to almost everyone. It is recognized that he led the country through one of the hardest times in its history. What many of us do not know or understand are the methods he employed in order to lead us through the Civil War. Phillips became interested in Lincoln’s leadership methods and abilities because he found that these same ideas were still being taught today. He wrote this book because he was unable to find other books detailing Lincoln’s leadership. Because Lincoln’s methods are still applicable in today’s leadership environment, Phillips realized that much could be learned by examining Lincoln’s actions while serving as president. According to Phillips “the foundation of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style was an unshakable commitment to the rights of the individual” (1992, p. 3). We will learn from Philips how Lincoln’s methods helped him to become a great leader. Lincoln led through his dealings with people by being available. He knew that if a leader never left their office they would miss out on the real action. A leader needed to be available to those relying upon him. Lincoln needed and wanted the most up-to-date information he could have in order to make decisive and speedy decisions. The best way for him to do this was to be around the people who were getting the job done. Also, for Lincoln it was important for people to know they were appreciated for the work they were doing for the country. By keeping in touch with the people he was tapping a wealth of information he might not receive otherwise. He did not wait for the information to be brought to him, he went to where the information was, and he even waited at the telegraph office for messages so he could reply quickly. This philosophy was important because in order to win the war Lincoln knew he needed to have a good idea of the workings of the troops and to