Donald T. Phillips

Lincoln on Leadership

1. IDEA 1

   Lincoln went to his people

   Phillips describes how Lincoln regularly left his office to visit troops, hospitals and government departments. Being present helped him understand problems first-hand and made people feel valued. Phillips calls this leading by being present.

2. IDEA 2

   Persuade instead of commanding

   Phillips argues that Lincoln preferred persuasion to giving orders. He tried to win people over through reasoning and patience, using his authority only when persuasion failed. Patience, Phillips says, was one of his strengths.

3. IDEA 3

   Build alliances with rivals

   Phillips describes how Lincoln brought former political opponents into his cabinet. He believed the country needed talented people, even those who disagreed with him or doubted him. Their skills mattered more than past quarrels.

All 8 ideas from Lincoln on Leadership →