Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times 
asked by waltersmith on November 25, 2006 8:50 PM
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This book was an excellent book. It opened my eyes to the "personal" Lincoln as opposed to the purely historic figure. The author devotes each chapter to a specific strategy of leadership. Donald Phillips writes about the use of these strategies using actual examples of how Lincoln handled his responsibility during tumultuous times. The ideas and methods are clearly explained and the results that Lincoln obtained were inspiring. While this book seems aimed at executive leadership, I do not believe that this can only be applied in the business world. Leadership is critical in families, school, volunteer groups as well as in the professional world. Lincoln On Leadership is a true source of inspiration and education for anyone in any leadership position from parenting to CEO's.
reviewed by kmf on November 27, 2006 2:16 PM
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This book does a great job of focusing on Lincoln's leadership traits without get sidetracked on other aspects of Lincoln's life and times. This focus on leadership traits, combined with the relative short length of the book (about 170 pages) and the author's compelling writing style, make it a quick and delightful read.
What I found most amazing about Lincoln as portrayed in this book is the incredible trust and power he bestowed upon his leaders. Even when they did not deserve his loyalty, Lincoln stuck with his people and empowered them to get things done. When they did succeed, Lincoln was quick to recognize their accomplishments. When they failed, Lincoln offered encouragement and guidance. In this way, Lincoln created some incredibly loyal followers.
What is also quite amazing is the way that Lincoln treated people with respect. When a general or cabinet member stepped out of line or made a huge mistake, Lincoln would not embarass them or chide them in front of others--he would invite them to his home and talk sensibly to them. Lincoln even gave his enemies the opportunity to "save face" in the midst of defeat. That a man with such power would treat people so honorably is truly inspiring.
Altough much of this book is centered around the Civil War and a society vastly different from today's, the material is still highly relevant to the modern business leader.
What I found most amazing about Lincoln as portrayed in this book is the incredible trust and power he bestowed upon his leaders. Even when they did not deserve his loyalty, Lincoln stuck with his people and empowered them to get things done. When they did succeed, Lincoln was quick to recognize their accomplishments. When they failed, Lincoln offered encouragement and guidance. In this way, Lincoln created some incredibly loyal followers.
What is also quite amazing is the way that Lincoln treated people with respect. When a general or cabinet member stepped out of line or made a huge mistake, Lincoln would not embarass them or chide them in front of others--he would invite them to his home and talk sensibly to them. Lincoln even gave his enemies the opportunity to "save face" in the midst of defeat. That a man with such power would treat people so honorably is truly inspiring.
Altough much of this book is centered around the Civil War and a society vastly different from today's, the material is still highly relevant to the modern business leader.
reviewed by madfool on November 28, 2006 10:35 PM
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After reading this book, I have developed an entirely new appreciation for Abraham Lincoln. While always believing him to be one of the greatest leaders of the country, I never really grasped why he was a great leader until now. Phillips does a superb job here of gleaning Lincoln's leadership principles from the many details available regarding the 16th president's life.
I've now become an even greater fan of Lincoln, and plan to learn more about this man who was such an extraordinary American leader in such extraordinary difficult times. Through Lincoln's life in general and this title in particular, leaders of all varieties can find renewed insight and inspiration.
I've now become an even greater fan of Lincoln, and plan to learn more about this man who was such an extraordinary American leader in such extraordinary difficult times. Through Lincoln's life in general and this title in particular, leaders of all varieties can find renewed insight and inspiration.
reviewed by scanner on November 28, 2006 11:25 PM
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Before my review, let's have a quick reference of it per chapters/principles delivered by the author.
1. Get out of the office and circulate among the troops
2. Build strong alliances
3. Persuade rather than coerce
4. Honesty and integrity are the best policies
5. Never act out of vengeance or spite
6. Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
7. Be a master of paradox
8. Exercise a strong hand - be decisive
9. Lead by being led
10. Set goals and be results oriented
11. Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
12. Encourage innovation
13. Master the art of public speaking
14. Influence people through conversation and storytelling
15. Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it
Simple and common as found in many other leadership or management books, huh? Definitely! However, the beauty of it comes from the author's excellent story telling and writing skill, that Lincoln's biography had been intermingled vividly and interestingly with leadership axioms extracted by the author. For sure it's much easier to bear in mind the learnings from a real person, recall them and put them into practice. A good and helpful read, I must say. Dont miss it!
p.s. The chart No. of days per month on pg 23 demonstrating Lincoln's practice of MBWA (management by walking around) during the course of his presidency is really unique and impressive.
1. Get out of the office and circulate among the troops
2. Build strong alliances
3. Persuade rather than coerce
4. Honesty and integrity are the best policies
5. Never act out of vengeance or spite
6. Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
7. Be a master of paradox
8. Exercise a strong hand - be decisive
9. Lead by being led
10. Set goals and be results oriented
11. Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
12. Encourage innovation
13. Master the art of public speaking
14. Influence people through conversation and storytelling
15. Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it
Simple and common as found in many other leadership or management books, huh? Definitely! However, the beauty of it comes from the author's excellent story telling and writing skill, that Lincoln's biography had been intermingled vividly and interestingly with leadership axioms extracted by the author. For sure it's much easier to bear in mind the learnings from a real person, recall them and put them into practice. A good and helpful read, I must say. Dont miss it!
p.s. The chart No. of days per month on pg 23 demonstrating Lincoln's practice of MBWA (management by walking around) during the course of his presidency is really unique and impressive.
reviewed by ivan on November 29, 2006 6:10 AM