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Table of Contents

ISBN:

0446394599

Format:

Paperback, 208 pages

Publish Date:

February, 1993

Publisher:

31

Other Format(s):

Hardcover/Audiobook

This popular book by the author of The Founding Fathers on Leadership, Character in Action: The Coast Guard on Leadership, and other similar best-selling volumes, looks here at the 16th President to illustrate the ultimate example of “executive strategies for tough times.” To be sure, few leaders ever have had to stay the course through tougher times than did Lincoln. As the publisher points out, “You think you have it rough?” Only 10 days before Lincoln took the oath of office in 1861, the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union. Lincoln, elected by a minority of the popular vote, was viewed by his own advisors as nothing more than an awkward, country-bumpkin attorney with no leadership experience. What he did to to preserve the Union and become our most honored and revered president is history, and in this history can be found many priceless lessons for running an organization in today’s complex world. In this short, quick read, many memorable truisms are delineated from Lincolnian precedents: Seize the initiative and never relinquish it. Wage only one war at a time. Encourage risk-taking while providing job security. Avoid issuing orders and instead request, imply, or make suggestions. Many are the pearls of wisdom to be found here.

This is an excellent leadership manual for Sailors at every level, for Lincoln’s wise methodology is equally applicable to the small unit or the largest of commands. There are many books on leadership based upon historical figures, but Lincoln on Leadership stands out far ahead of the pack, for its accessibility, its brevity, and its brilliance.