When The Herring goes calling on company CEOs and we spy book shelves filled with entrepreneur "How To" books and management guides by enthusiasts such as Tom Peters and Tony Robbins it raises a...well, red flag. For one, these books are largely written by people who have never had a job other than peddling their own books and tapes. Second, they rarely deliver more than emotion-filled platitudes.
But one management book worth picking up is Lincoln on Leadership, by Donald T. Phillips, subtitled Executive Strategies For Tough Times. The book is primarily valuable (and legitimate) because its main character is Abraham Lincoln, America's greatest President, and because the author delivers specific examples of his leadership abilities which can be applied to today's complex business environment.
Executive strategies for tough times
It's easy to forget that Lincoln served as President during our nation's most difficult and ominous period. Only ten days before he took the oath of office, the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union taking all Federal agencies, forts, and arsenals within their territory. Rumors persisted that Lincoln's first inauguration would be disrupted, the president killed, and Washington DC taken by the Confederates. Using his natural born self-confidence and his ability to persuade and motivate people, Lincoln almost single-handedly preserved our nation and the American concept of government. He knew that true leadership is often realized by exerting quiet and subtle influence on a day-to-day basis, and lifting people to a higher level of performance, achievement, and awareness. He also knew that there is a time and place when one even has to exploit one's powers to preserve the whole. Examples of some of Lincoln's key leadership principles developed during the tough times include the following:
On Managing People* Invest time in understanding human nature, and remember, people's actions can be modified to a certain point, but their characters can not.
* Unite people with a common mission, and make sure all decisions and actions further this mission. Make consistency, reliability, and good communication the main cogs in the machinery of the company.
* Explain yourself in writing and offer advice on how to solve problems, thereby empowering people to act on their own. People will work harder if they believe that what they do is their own idea and that it will make a difference to the company.
* Give subordinates a fair chance, with equal freedom and opportunity for success.
* Seek and require access to reliable and up-to-date information. Conduct full and frequent consultations with the heads of various departments to discuss issues that will affect the entire company.
On Having Character* The probability that you may fail in the struggle should not deter you from the support of a cause you believe to be just. The truth is the best vindication against slander.
* Be the embodiment of good temper and affability. Showing your caring nature will help in forging successful relationships.
* It is a leader's duty to advance the aims of the company and also help those who serve it.
* Never act out of vengeance or spite. Avoid major quarrels and arguments. The organization always takes on the personality of the top leader.
* Wage only one war at a time, and use force only as a last resort.
Lincoln's attitude and behavior while President characterized what should be acceptable and decent relations between human beings. Abraham Lincoln was the essence of leadership.