12 Lessons from Lincoln on Leadership

photo credit: josullivan.59 Lincoln Memorial #2 via photopin (license)

One week ago marked the 205th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12th.  On Monday, I was able to celebrate a day off for President’s Day.  So, it is fitting that we turn to Donald T. Phillips’ book, Lincoln on Leadership.  In the book, Phillips provides “executive strategies for tough times.”  It’s a quick read that really touches at the core of leadership and the man who exemplified the subject best, Abraham Lincoln.

Donald T. Phillips does a nice job of extracting the jewels of leadership wisdom by analyzing the historical events, including Lincoln’s writings and actions from his time in office.

The contents of the book are presented in four parts:  People; Character; Endeavor; and Communication.  Throughout the book, we see the extraordinary attributes of an American legend.  Abe’s honesty, integrity, and tenacity are all characteristics that should be mimicked by those of us who call ourselves students of leadership…who are shooting for the stars!

Click here to read more about the 12 lessons I gleaned from Lincoln on Leadership and how I’ve applied those lessons over the years.

4 Leadership Jewels (C.A.R.E.) from My Wife, Jennifer

Jennifer Leigh (2-2014)

As a student of leadership, I am constantly on the lookout for lessons that I can learn to be a better leader.  Today, I don’t have to look very far…it’s my wife’s birthday!  We just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago…January 25th to be exact…

A few years back, we received a book called Married for Life:  Inspirations from those married 50 years or more.  The book is filled with a variety of wisdom from those whose marriages have gone the distance.  One piece of advice that I appreciate is to “love each other and share common goals.”  The book asks, “What better partnership is there than that of a loving husband and wife striving together to achieve common goals?  And who better to join forces with than the one you love, the person with whom you’ve chosen to share your deepest hopes, your fondest dreams, and your very life?”  I’ve definitely found that to be the case over the last 17 years…

So, what lessons have I learned from Jennifer on leadership recently?  To C.A.R.E. for the people you love and the promises you make.

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