After my Bible this is the my second - to - go book when I feel that I need wisdom in my decisions. I know that there is one type of job that has been despised since the beginning of time: the politician. Although some men have tamed the profession and did egregious things in their exercise of power, some politicians have become like a beacon of wisdom and power long after their death. Abraham Lincoln is one of them. It is not rare to hear among powerful leaders nowadays that they often think: “What would Lincoln do in this situation?”
The book that I am writing about is a small collection of writings and speeches belonging to Lincoln. “Leadership lessons of Abraham Lincoln. Strategies, advice, and words of wisdom on leadership , responsibility and power” is a must read if you are eager to work on your personal development.
Why would you need the words of a politician? It’s not like you rule the world, maybe you have a menial job, maybe you are just strolling through life like a deer ambles through the forest. Let me tell you that I came to a marvelous conclusion: everything which is worth having in life comes down to honing great leadership skills. In a romantic relationship both man and woman have to know how to lead in their field and become a healthy foundation for their children. In a job , even if you are not the CEO, you have to know how to master yourself and your own emotions and perform well even in toxic environments until you build other options. In personal life you need discipline and perseverance if you want to lose those extra pounds or make more savings. Everything is leadership. The amplitude of its quality decides the outcomes that you will see.
Unlike other times, I did not take any written notes because I return so very often to this book. But for you and for me I have made the decision to share quotes which are vital if you strive to become a diplomat. You need diplomacy in your life otherwise you are prone to see yourself as a victim of circumstances , without any sense of agency, a victim of your emotions, patterns and uncontrolled reactions.
Leadership is about performing well under pressure and choosing your battles carrefully. Never quarrel! I used to have this habit of thinking that I need to prove my point and let me tell you….you can die trying this strategy with some folks! Think of this world as a place full of many jesters and few masters. Do you think that you have unlimited energy to fight all of the buffoons? Think again. Think like Lincoln:
“The advice of a father to his son- ‘Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, bear it that the opposed may beware thee ‘ is good, and yet not best. Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiating of his temper, and the loss of self-control”( Lincoln’s letter to Capt. James M. Cutts, October 26, 1863)
This quote is powerful. You can’t trust someone who loses their temper easily to be in a leadership position. This pertains to both personal and professional life. Leaders can hold it together in emotional turmoil and picking your battles must be done with wisdom as it is “better to give your path to a dog, than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite “ ( Lincoln’s letter to Capt. James M. Cutts, October 26, 1863). Losing your temper leaves marks. In can be a mark in your reputation, in your ability to be trusted, in your ability to keep a relationship.
Another key element that a true leader needs is great decision making skills. Great decisions are made under inner emotional stability. Even if the world around you might be in chaos and you swim in enmity waters, you need to keep your composure. Do not take decisions in life when you are angry or too exuberant (especially in love), upset, under the impulse of the moment, be it a good or a bad one. Do not write that nasty text or e-mail. Do not call to spill out your venom. Do not scream and offend or file for that divorce or get married after one month. Think it through. Take space. Be proactive and not reactive: “Even though much provoked, let us do nothing through passion and ill temper” ( Address at Cooper Institute, February 27, 1860)
Finally, leadership is about self-education - “Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject in which we as people can be engaged in” ( Open letter to the people of Sangamo County; March 9, 1832) and determination – “you cannot fail, if you resolutely determine , that you will not (Letter to George C. Latham; July 22, 1860). If you decide that you will succeed, you will. The minute doubt enters your mind you have lost. Lincoln was determined to save the Union and to see success. He had an abiding faith in God. He had inflexible principles and a flexible attitude and he was always open to admit his own errors. A true leader has enough self confidence to apologize immediately as soon as he realizes that he is wrong.
I have made a long review of this book and I invite you to watch it. Until next time do not forget, just as Lincoln said, that “we cannot escape history”(Message to Congress; December 1, 1862)
