THE POLITICAL WISDOM OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND

WHAT HE HAS TO SAY TO TO DAY'S FEDERAL EXECUTIVES

Key Principles of political acumen based on Lincoln's Life
1. Be passionate about your purpose and mission.
Lincoln was passionate about the "preservation of the Union" based on the
principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution. Emancipation gradually emerged as his rallying cry as he
believed in a higher cause based on a "rebirth of freedom."

2. Select staff for talent and a diversity of views.

Lincoln selected his cabinet based on both talent and a diversity of
viewpoints within the Republican Party. This decision paid big dividends in
the long run in terms of enhancing the quality of his decision-making and
support for his policies. Secretary of State William Seward, his chief rival for
the nomination, made significant contributions to his administration despite a
rocky and stormy start in the early years. It also helped him keep his eyes
on his potential rivals within the party, particularly Salmon P. Chase who
thirsted to become President.

3. Exercise emotional intelligence and do not give in to anger and

resentment.
The Commander in Chief had plenty of reason to engage in payback and
personal animosity toward his critics; he very rarely took the bait. This
enabled him to stay above the fray and call upon potential adversaries when
needed. For example, he was able to call upon his chief rival for the
Presidency, Democrat Stephen Douglas, to support his call for 75,000 Union
volunteers, which Douglas did as his last act before dying. Secretary of War
Edwin M. Stanton, who greatly mistreated Lincoln as an attorney in the preCivil War years, went on to become an efficient and tireless administrator in
the War Department. Lincoln never confronted Stanton with his past
grievances, selecting him as the man best able to do the job. Over a period
of years, Stanton gained great respect for Lincoln and was the one who
remarked upon Lincoln's death, "Now, he belongs to the ages."

Developed by Bob Lapidus

boblaoidus@CDx.net

(703) 450-4072

4. Communicate your message through storytelling, teaching, and

writing.
The 16'" President was a superb communicator. His speeches including the
Gettysburg Address, the Cooper Union speech, and his first and second
inaugural addresses are among the most soaring prose in American history.
lincoln also used storytelling as a way of delivering unpleasant messages,
making a teaching point, and relieving himself of his inner burdens and great
sadness.

5. Practice integrity in all your dealings.

He earned the name "Honest Abe" for good reasons. His word was his bond
and he always accepted responsibility for the failings of his subordinates. His
selfless spirit and dogged determination to accomplish a higher mission
inspired lincoln's followers. Personal gain was never a factor in lincoln's
dealings.
In fact, lincoln faced constant threats of kidnapping or
assassination.

6. 5tay close to your customers, stakeholders, and followers.

lincoln had the ultimate "open door" policy, receiving visitors at the White
House for many hours a day. He also was one of the first President's to
practice "management by wandering around." He had a special bond with
the Union soldiers through his high level of personal engagement. lincoln
frequently paid calls on his generals in the field to find out first hand what
the reality of the battlefront was in order to make his own assessments. You
probably have seen some of the famous pictures of lincoln visiting his
vacillating Commander, General George McClellan, in his tent following the
battle of Antietam.

7. Exercise leadership flexibility when the situation calls for it. Lincoln
could be a lion, a bear, or a fox when necessary.
The President had a variety of styles he used in different situations. At Fort
Sumter he outmaneuvered the South to fire the first shot and therefore rally
the North toward a call for arms (the fox). He was willing to suspend civil
liberties in order to preserve the Union, including arresting members of the
Maryland state legislature to prevent them from passing a resolution to
secede from the Union (the lion). lincoln had a special affinity for the Union
soldiers and showed tremendous compassion when pardoning countless
Union soldiers who had been sentenced to death for desertion (the bear).

Oeveloped by Bob Lapidus

boblapidu5@cox.net

(703) 450-4072

8. Leave a legacy and your reputation will follow.

Abraham Lincoln was not concerned about his personal standing but was
very committed to doing the right thing as evidenced by his signing of the
Emancipation Proclamation and his antislavery stand. He did not expect that
he would live to the end of his second term. Today, his legacy only grows
with time.

Source: Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Uncoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Developed by Bob Lapidus

boblaoidus@cox.net

(703) 450-4072