10 Qualities that Made Abraham Lincoln a Great Leader – (and really, ones that will make any leader – great)

“President Abraham Lincoln appointed the best and brightest to his Cabinet, individuals who were also some of his greatest political rivals. He demonstrated his leadership by pulling this group together into a unique team that represented the greatest minds of his time.”

Lincoln demonstrated an ability to withstand adversity and to move forward in the face of frustration, said Kearns Goodwin, a keynote speaker at SHRM's 2008 Annual Conference in Chicago. She identified 10 qualities that made Lincoln a great leader. Ten qualities Kearns Goodwin believes we should look for in our present day leaders.

What a great article on leadership and all that it entails! This article appearing in HR.BLR.com by Catherine L. Moreton, J.D.Managing Editor, is a nice synopsis of a keynote address by Kearns Goodwin.

Those ten qualities she highlights are:
1. Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View
2. Ability to Learn on the Job
3. Ready Willingness to Share Credit for Success
4. Ready Willingness to Share Blame for Failure
5. Awareness of Own Weaknesses
6. Ability to Control Emotions
7. Know How to Relax and Replenish
8. Go Out into the Field and Manage Directly
9. Strength to Adhere to Fundamental Goals
10. Ability to Communicate Goals and Vision

Kearns Goodwin does a really nice job defining these attributes. When we look at today's political and business landscape, we really do not believe there is much more to say than to ‘live by these fundamental qualities,’ would help one be responsible, accountable and motivational.

Goodwin sums it up the best by a quote from Leo Tolstoy about Abraham Lincoln.
His greatness consisted of the "integrity of his character and moral fiber of his being."

Enjoy the article…