...Abraham Lincoln Servant Leadership Case Study and Collaborative Research #4 G. Diaz ADM 553 April 16, 2015 Introduction Abraham Lincoln is one of the most known and beloved presidents of our history. He was the 16th president of the United States and is known for achieving such feats as keeping the Union together and the emancipation of slavery. Having many followers as well as resistance during the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln showed fortitude and never gave up on his vision and goals. Hence, after fighting for many years, he was able to give freedom and support to those who were chained by weights of racism and prejudice. Therefore, aside from having a vision and many followers, what made Lincoln such a great leader? What type of leadership style did Abraham Lincoln mostly use and why was it so successful? To begin with, Lincoln seems to fit the bill of what a great leader is supposed to entail. He was very charismatic, intelligent, determined, self-confident, and showed integrity to his followers and goals. All of these traits as described by Northouse (2013) are characteristics that leaders should aim to develop if they want to be effective commandants. Although leadership does not have one exclusive definition, since we all have our own ideas of what it means to be a good leader, Northouse does provide standard definition for the term. Northouse (2013) defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve...
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...Lincoln on Leadership is one of the most powerful books on leadership that I have read. The most interesting part to me was that Lincoln was a true leader as President and not just an individual who sat back and let others do all the necessary work while he made the pubic appearances. In my studies of history, I have never analyzed any president as a real leader, probably because before this class I assumed that they all were leaders. Now I know they are not. Every point that is made in the book to support Lincoln as a real leader is something that either we discussed in class or something that is covered in our text. The best part about this book, though, was its readability. Once you got past the introduction, it was hard to put it down. It is unfortunate that the simple things that Lincoln did which made him so great are too much for some mangers today. For example, creating relationships with your employees. The first part of Lincoln on Leadership deals with the people, the employees. In Lincoln's case, the employees were the troops who were preparing for and engaging in civil war battles. The title of the first chapter is, "Get Out of the Office and Circulate Among the Troops." Without even reading one word after the title, I immediately thought of the class discussion on Tom Peters and his concept of "managing by walking around." In class we talked about how real leaders will get to know their employees and create open, trusting relationships with them...
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...leadership styles and each leader possesses different traits than the next leader. What type of leader does one look up to? This paper will discuss a person who I consider a leader. The paper will cover why he or she is a good leader, the leadership and management theories he or she uses. In this paper I will also compare my personal leadership style to that of the chosen person I consider as a good leader. In detail I will also discuss the traits that I could develop to better my leadership skills. I will also discuss the strengths I poses that would benefit the leader I have chosen. The historical figure I have chosen as a successful leader is Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was not only a president but also a great leader who many current leaders now, look up to. There are three leadership abilities that Abraham Lincoln possessed that stand out the most (Great American History, 2013). First, was his ability to acquire trust, loyalty, and respect from his followers. Second, was his ability to inspire his followers to continue to make sacrifices despite the hardships. Third was his effectiveness for appeal to his followers (Great American History, 2013). Abraham Lincoln was willing to listen to different points of view without taking them offensively. This allowed him to listen to opinions before making his final decision. By doing so, this gained trust, loyalty, and respect from his followers (Business and Legal Resources, 2014). Abraham Lincoln was not afraid to go out into...
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...When people think of a great leader, many think of Abraham Lincoln, fourth President of the United States. Lincoln was born in 1809 in Kentucky, but moved to Illinois when he was a young boy. Lincoln spent a lot of time working on the family farm and splitting rails to build fences. From a very young age, he learned the value of hard work. This helped him in his later careers. He was a captain in the Black Hawk War, an Illinois legislator for eight years, and participated in the circuit of courts for many years. According to his law partner, "his ambition was a little engine that knew no rest", proving that Lincoln portrayed leadership to everyone who knew him (Freidel and Sidey, 2006). Lincoln’s vast array of leadership qualities are demonstrated in the book “Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times” by Donald T. Phillips. The purpose of this book is not only to teach leadership, but to demonstrate it. According to Phillips, “the life of Abraham Lincoln, especially his presidency, demonstrated that he possessed all of the great leadership qualities […] such as honesty and integrity, empathy for the common man, and devotion to the rights of individuals” (Phillips, 1992). Phillips lists the different principles that Lincoln lived by, and then gives examples from Lincoln’s life that exhibit them in action. The fifteen principles that Lincoln lived by included ‘get out of the office and circulate among the troops’, ‘build strong alliances’, ‘honesty and integrity...
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...“Leadership” Having good leadership traits comes with having a good leader. Good leadership is shown by one who shows strong authority and good people skills. Knowing that you have shown good leadership is by looking at the outcome of what you put forth. Commutating good leadership through an employee or member of a team is through respect and knowing if they will follower your lead or do something different from what was told of them to do. A leadership role is considered to be an act of strong decision making from one who is in control of a situation. They have the ability to show their personal power to any project that they may have. A leader forms a secure position to help make things great for any business, project or job. There are many leadership...
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...com/whitepapers/Staffing-Training/Leadership/10-Qualities-that-Made-Abraham-Lincoln-a-Great-Lea 10 Qualities that Made Abraham Lincoln a Great Leader By Catherine L. Moreton, J.D. Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View While researching her Pulitzer Prize winning book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Kearns Goodwin learned that Lincoln had the capacity to listen to different points of view. He created a climate where Cabinet members were free to disagree without fear of retaliation. At the same time, he knew when to stop the discussion and after listening to the various opinions, make a final decision. Ability to Learn on the Job Lincoln was able to acknowledge errors, learn from them, and then move. In this way, he established a culture of learning in his administration, said Kearns Goodwin. Ready Willingness to Share Credit for Success In response to concerns expressed by friends about the actions of some of his Cabinet members, Lincoln stated that the "path to success and ambition is broad enough for two" said Kearns Goodwin. When there was success, Lincoln shared the credit with all of those involved. Ready Willingness to Share Blame for Failure When mistakes were made by members of his Cabinet, Lincoln stood up for them said Kearns Goodwin. When contracts related to the war effort raised serious questions about a member of his administration, Lincoln spoke up and indicated that he and his entire Cabinet were to blame. Awareness...
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...Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was one of the smartest person to be president. His learning curve was amazing our country in 1860 needed a leader that leader had to be Abraham Lincoln because he was that good. If Lincoln wasn’t selected nobody would know him as he was as a president. Lincoln projective was to save this union, and then deal with freeing the slaves. He did all that by dealing with Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham did not advocate the blacks. Abraham had said “not only should blacks not be slaves they should be treated as equal citizens with full enfranchise mode to fold and rights to participate.” By 1864, he had understand the strategy by the war contra basses, he understand how to use the navy, his order to grant where packable. Abraham Lincoln was a president that was in progress. The war between the North and the South had to deal with slavery, destruction of slavery and the after math of slavery. God gave America this problem and we have to solve this problem. Mathew: 18 says “sometimes it is necessary for some whoa to come to people.” Lincoln wanted to fight the civil war in his own terms. His announcement Emancipation Proclamation appears in harbor weakly this act will never be forgotten. His speech at Gettysburg of the soldiers which he is best remembered. “Four scoring seven years ago our father brought fourth upon this continent a new nation conceive to liberty and dedicated to the proposition.” The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 where in rebellion...
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...easier we have been tasked to compare ourselves with a leader in history. We are doing this in order to compare ourselves to specify the theory that best fits our leadership practices. In this paper the leadership style of President Abraham Lincoln will be discussed along with a self-reflection how his style was similar to my leadership methods. Servant Leadership Theory The basis of this leadership style reveals a philosophy that leaders should be servants first. The basis of servant leadership theory in order to be effective the leader has to place the needs of his or her followers, customers, and the community ahead of their own interests. The qualities within this type of leader allows for them to implement their leadership style by allowing them to serve in some capacity. There is a belief that leadership is initiated from within. The distinctiveness of servant leadership is for the leader’s instinctive wish to lead or guide others through serving. It is their desire to raise the level of moral principles of those that are followers. Short of these core characteristics, a leader will not fit the servant leader style. Admired Leader Assessment Abraham Lincoln The element that distinguishes a servant leader is the moral and ethical component. A servant leader leads with a moral conscience which directly affects the behavior of the leader and followers. Unlike the other leadership types servant leaders are able to serve others in a more ethical manner while...
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...Lincoln was a great statesman, he proved this through the changes he brought not only for the country but for the people as well. He was able to bring together a nation that was divided between the free and the enslaved. Lincoln had the ability to withstand many difficulties that came his way and not be put down every time he came face to face with frustration. He demonstrated his leadership by acknowledging his weaknesses, control his emotions, and ability to communicate his goals and visions for the future. Lincoln, like every other person, had flaws. He was the type of person to not want to hurt anyone, which turned out to be his greatest strength but also his greatest weakness. He was always the type of person to give people second or...
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... Lincoln’s reputation as a strong leader has stood the test of time from his career as a politician and lawyer to the president who preserved the union during a crucial turning point in our nation’s history. Lincoln’s unquenchable thirst for education and self-improvement formed the foundation for the leader he later became (Austell, 2006). Lincoln’s stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston, was the first person in his life that understood the importance of education and encouraged Lincoln in his educational efforts (Herndon & Weik, 1888). Lincoln’s quest for knowledge was a lifelong journey that continued throughout his career as a lawyer and a politician, and helped him to earn the trust and admiration of colleagues and friends (Alvy & Robbins, 2010). Lincoln’s first office for the federal government was as postmaster at New Salem followed by multiple terms in the Illinois state legislature. Over time Lincoln’s influence within the Illinois legislature grew, in large part due to his ability to draft bills and laws (Burlingame, 2008). It was during his first term in the Illinois legislature that Lincoln was first encouraged to study law by John Todd Stuart, a colleague in the state legislature (Zall, 1999). In 1836 Lincoln received his law license and went into a partnership with Stuart the following year (Burlingame, 2008). Lincoln next partnered with Stephen Logan who helped Lincoln to develop a professional demeanor (Dirck, 2009). Lincoln entered into partnership with William...
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...many past and present figures that have been great and effective leaders. One past political figure who was an excellent leader was Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is best known for preserving the Union during the Civil War and emancipating slavery (Abraham Lincoln). He served the United States during a very critical point in history and helped to keep the county together. Abraham Lincoln’s leadership abilities are the topic of this paper. Leader Versus Manager Abraham Lincoln was a leader in many different ways. A leader has people who follow them, focuses on people, and often have a charismatic, transitional style (Leadership vs. Management). President Lincoln was a leader in many of these ways. He had many people who chose to follow him and vote for him as president. They also chose to be his supports through the Civil War and emancipation of slavery. He also was very focused on meeting the people’s needs and wants. This is often the sign of a good leader because they are working to help better things for their followers. Lincoln was always striving to achieve what was best for the country, which is why he was such a strong leader. President Lincoln was also a manager in many aspects as well. A manager has subordinates, focuses on work, and has an authoritative, transactional style (Leadership vs. Management). As the President of the United States, Lincoln had many people who worked underneath him to help him to lead the...
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...Abraham Lincoln will provide me with the path needed to achieve personal success. I admire Abraham Lincoln, who was a successful leader as the 16th president of the United States of America. As I complete my academic courses at DeVry, the success skills and abilities that will enable me to achieve my dreams are based on the impact and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln, who after giving his life for freedom, reminds us to be well spoken and honest. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems (CIS); my focus is in Business Management (BM). I expected to complete my graduate program in 36 to 39 months. The combination of both field of study and expected graduation completion are going to allow me to become a graduate of DeVry and set me on the path to freedom. We have chosen President Lincoln as a group. His leadership skills are just as relevant today, as they were when he was alive. Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865 and he impact and legacy of leadership still motivates me today. President Lincoln is considered one of the nation's greatest presidents (States, 2014). Lincoln was a master communicator whose words artfully conveyed an unwavering commitment and vision for a free America (Miller, 2014). These freedoms have had the greatest impact, allowing us to have the industry we have today. Being able to briefly and clearly describe what needs to be done, makes communication one of the best characteristics of an effective leader (Smith...
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...once said, “It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined leaders and a sound cause.” (Mencken) Throughout American history, there have been times of oppression, sadness, and doubt. In these grave situations, inspiring historic leaders have stepped out of the masses to help lead America to be one of the top economic, political, and social countries in the world. The leadership of some Americans over the first centuries as a country is awe-inspiring. In periods throughout history, when America believed the country was on the brink of failure, determined leaders stepped in, to assist the country back to full success. After wars between countries, oppression of citizens,...
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...History Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He was in office during the civil war and gained the likeness of most of the country. Lincoln was born in the backwoods of illinois. He grew up in poverty, but became a politician and came out of poverty. As president and commander-in-chief, he passed the 13th amendment and won the civil war. During his presidency, Lincoln was a successful leader because of his different traits that allowed him to be president and enjoyed by many Americans. This was demonstrated by his strategist, intelligent, good leadership and good decision maker personality. Mr. Lincoln was a great strategist, both in the office and fighting the war. Lincoln had the ability to learn on the job. Abraham was considered by many a great commander in chief and strategist because he thought long and hard about decisions, whether it be about the war or other decisions. Sometimes he even visited officers in the field(Smithsonian,1). The 16th president used a big...
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...When we were assigned this assignment, I wanted to pick four leaders who I wanted to learn from. I wanted to study how they became successful leaders. I wanted to enhance my abilities from what I learned from the following four leaders. The four leaders I choose: Pope Francis, Jeff Bezos, Alexander the Great and Abraham Lincoln. I choose these four because of the style of leadership I feel they are the best in: leading by an example, being a risk taker, using strategy, and never giving up (determination). Pope Francis is very effective by setting an example. He is humble. He wants to be a Pope who for the people. He is not someone who wants fluent his position which makes him a popular Pope. He would rather drive in a FIAT 500 then a limo. (What did the leader do well ) "Francis hates any members of the clergy who sit in offices and push paper," Krames says. As a bishop in Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (as he was then), would dress as a plain priest and go out at night to talk with people. "When he became pope he told one of his archbishops, 'I can't do that anymore, so you're going to do it for me.' He doesn't want a pristine church, he wants a church that's going out in the streets to find people and help them." Likewise, Francis famously chose not to move into the papal apartments but to remain in a guest suite at the Vatican, "to live in community with others," according to a Vatican representative. “[1] “The reformist Pope immediately set his sights on the...
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